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The main magnetic field of JupiterThe main magnetic field of Jupiter has been measured by the Goddard Space Flight Center flux gate magnetometer on Pioneer 11. Analysis of the data yields a more detailed model than that obtained from Pioneer 10 results. In a spherical harmonic octupole representation the dipole term (with opposite polarity to earth's) has a magnitude of 4.28 G times the radial distance cubed at a tilt angle of 9.6 deg and a system 111 longitude of 232 deg. The quadrupole and octupole moments are 24% and 21% of the dipole, respectively. This leads to a significant deviation of the planetary magnetic field from a simple offset dipole topology at distances of less than three times the radial distance. The north polar field strength is 14 G, and in the Northern Hemisphere the 'footprint' of the Io associated flux tube traverses the magnetic polar region. Associated L shell splitting in the radiation belts, warping of the charged particle equatorial planes, and enhanced absorption effects due to the satellites Amalthea and Io are expected as a result of the field complexity.
Document ID
19760053308
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Acuna, M. H.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Ness, N. F.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Laboratory for Extraterrestrial Physics, Greenbelt, Md., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1976
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 81
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
76A36274
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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