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High beta plasma in the dynamic Jovian current sheetThe equatorial current sheet, which Pioneer 10 repeatedly encountered on its outbound pass through the Jovian magnetosphere, frequently was associated with intense fluxes of energetic protons. Simultaneous observations of the changes in the energetic proton flux and in the magnetic-field magnitude demonstrate that the current sheet is embedded in a high-beta plasma in which high-energy (above 60 keV) ions frequently are the dominant constituents. Large differences in the plasma temperature and the thickness of this plasma sheet between encounters only 10 hours apart indicate that the Jovian plasma sheet is very dynamic on a time scale of hours. Occasional observations of significant temporal variations in the magnetic field and particle populations during periods within the plasma sheet may represent in situ observations of Jovian magnetic disturbances. Comparison with previous observations suggests that low-energy (not more than 5 keV) plasma contributes less than 3% to the current-sheet energy density.
Document ID
19780068427
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Walker, R. J.
(California Univ. Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Kivelson, M. G.
(California, University Los Angeles, Calif., United States)
Schardt, A. W.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Md., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1978
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters
Volume: 5
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
78A52336
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-05-007-004
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7295
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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