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The magnetic field of the earth - Performance considerations for space-based observing systemsBasic problems inherent in carrying out observations of the earth magnetic field from space are reviewed. It is shown that while useful observations of the core and crustal fields are possible at the peak of the solar cycle, the greatest useful data volume is obtained during solar minimum. During the last three solar cycles, the proportion of data with a planetary disturbance index of less than 2 at solar maximum was in the range 0.4-0.8 in comparison with solar minimum. It is found that current state of the art orbit determination techniques should eliminate orbit error as a problem in gravitational field measurements from space. The spatial resolution obtained for crustal field anomalies during the major satellite observation programs of the last 30 years are compared in a table. The relationship between observing altitude and the spatial resolution of magnetic field structures is discussed. Reference is made to data obtained using the Magsat, the Polar Orbiting Geophysical Observatory (POGO), and instruments on board the Space Shuttle.
Document ID
19850060323
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Webster, W. J., Jr.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Taylor, P. T.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Schnetzler, C. C.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Langel, R. A.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing
Volume: GE-23
ISSN: 0196-2892
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
85A42474
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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