Ray tracing studies of Jupiter's magnetosphere

Raypaths for decametric wavelength radiation in Jupiter's magnetosphere were calculated. The model-dependent raypaths with the Voyager observations were compared. Characteristics of the source regions and the influence of propagation effects were deduced. A three dimensional ray tracing program was employed to calculate the raypaths. Families of rays were launched at particular angles with respect to the magnetic field lines to generate conical sheets of radiation for various frequencies and various source locations. As the planet's magnetic field rotates, these warped sheets of radiation sweep past the observer, producing signatures in frequency versus time plots. These signatures match some of those found in the Voyager data. The greatest propagation effects occur in and around the source regions in the Io auroral oval.