Direction-Finding Measurements of Heliospheric 2-3 kHz Radio Emissions

Using data from the Voyager 1 plasma wave instrument, a series of direction-finding measurements is presented for the intense 1992-93 heliospheric 2- to 3-kHz radio emission event, and several weaker events extending into 1994. Direction-finding measurements can only be obtained during roll maneuvers, which are performed about once every three months. Two parameters can be determined from the roll-induced intensity modulation, the azimuthal direction of arrival (measured around the roll axis), and the modulation index (the peak-to-peak amplitude divided by the peak amplitude). Measurements were made at two frequencies, 1.78 and 3.11 kHz. No roll modulation was observed at 1.78 kHz, which is consistent with an isotropic source at this frequency. In most cases an easily measurable roll modulation was detectable at 3.11 kHz. Although the azimuth angles have considerable scatter, the directions of arrival at 3.11 kHz can be organized into three groups, each of which appears to be associated with a separate upward drifting feature in the radio emission spectrum. The first group, which is associated with the main 1992-93 event, is consistent with a source located near the nose of the heliosphere. The remaining two groups, which occur after the main 1992-93 event, have azimuth angles well away from the nose of the heliosphere. The modulation indexes vary over a large range, from 0.06 to 0.61, with no obvious trend. Although the variations in the directions of arrival and modulation indicies appear to reflect changes in the position and angular size of the source, it is also possible that they could be caused by refraction or scattering due to density structures in the solar wind.