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Visualization of the electrostatic potential distribution in both polar ionospheres using multiple satellite measurementsDuring the time from December 1991 through March 1992, there were four operational DMSP satellites in polar orbit. All four satellites carried the Special Sensor-Ions, Electrons, Scintillation (SSIES) plasma package which included an ion drift meter. Data from the drift meter, combined with the magnetic field data, allowed the calculation of the electrostatic potential in the ionosphere along the satellite's path. Simultaneous polar coverage by four satellites was unprecedented, providing researchers with almost continuous monitoring of the potential distribution in both hemispheres for the four month period. Combining the magnitude and location of the potential data from each of the four satellites in order to examine the varying potential distribution pattern in both hemispheres presented a major challenge in data visualization. The problem was solved by developing a three-dimensional presentation of the data where the potentials are color coded and represented by the vertical dimension. This paper presents examples from a computer animation of several days of data demonstrating evolution of the size and shape of the potential distribution, along with how these changes correspond to variations in other geophysical parameters, such as the IMF orientation and the K(sub p) index.
Document ID
19960022573
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Hairston, Marc R.
(Texas Univ. at Dallas Richardson, TX United States)
Heelis, Roderick A.
(Texas Univ. at Dallas Richardson, TX United States)
Rich, Frederick J.
(Phillips Lab. Hanscom AFB, MA United States)
Date Acquired
August 17, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1995
Publication Information
Publication: Visualization techniques in space and atmospheric sciences
Subject Category
Documentation And Information Science
Accession Number
96N25517
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: F19628-90-K-0002
CONTRACT_GRANT: F19628-93-K-0007
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGw-1665
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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