DE-2 photoelectron measurements consistent with a large scale parallel electric field over the polar cap

Winningham and Heikkila (1974) presented observations of various polar cap particle morphologies. They interpreted observations of 'anomalous' photoelectron angular distribution over the polar caps to be indicative of a large scale, outwardly directed, parallel electric field over the polar cap. The parallel field was observed to be spatially and/or temporarily variable. However, results obtained by Winningham and Heikkila have one weakness, which is related to the lack of simultaneous observations at many pitch angles. The present investigation is, therefore, concerned with the presentation of results from Dynamics Explorer 2 (DE-2) which confirm the experimental results of Winningham and Heikkila. It is concluded that the earth's polar caps act much like any conductor immersed in a plasma and illuminated by sunlight. DE-1 and DE-2 would then represent tiny point probes examining the internal details in the sheath region of the polar cap.