Coordinated ground-based and geosynchronous satellite-based measurements of auroral pulsations

David M. Suszcynsky; Joseph E. Borovsky; Michelle F. Thomsen; David J. McComas; Richard D. Belian

doi:10.1117/12.284757

3 September 1997 Coordinated ground-based and geosynchronous satellite-based measurements of auroral pulsations

David M. Suszcynsky, Joseph E. Borovsky, Michelle F. Thomsen, David J. McComas, Richard D. Belian

Proceedings Volume 3237, 23rd European Meeting on Atmospheric Studies by Optical Methods; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.284757
Event: Twenty-third European Meeting on Atmospheric Studies by Optical Methods, 1996, Kiev, Ukraine

Abstract

We describe a technique that uses a ground-based all-sky video camera and geosynchronous satellite-based plasma and energetic particle detectors to study ionosphere-magnetosphere coupling as it relates to the aurora. The video camera system was deployed in Eagle, Alaska for a seven month period at the foot of the magnetic field line that threads geosynchronous satellite 1989-046. Since 1989-046 co-rotates with the earth, its footprint remains nearly fixed in the vicinity of Eagle, allowing for routine continuous monitoring of an auroral field line at its intersections with the ground and with geosynchronous orbit. As an example of the utility of this technique, we present coordinated ground-based and satellite- based observations during periods of auroral pulsations and compare this data to the predictions of both the relaxation oscillator theory and flow cyclotron maser theory for the generation of pulsating aurorae. The observed plasma and energetic particle characteristics at geosynchronous orbit during pulsating aurorae displays are found to be in agreement with the general predictions of both theories, lending further support to the belief that a cyclotron resonance mechanism is responsible for auroral pulsations.

Citation Download Citation

David M. Suszcynsky, Joseph E. Borovsky, Michelle F. Thomsen, David J. McComas, and Richard D. Belian "Coordinated ground-based and geosynchronous satellite-based measurements of auroral pulsations", Proc. SPIE 3237, 23rd European Meeting on Atmospheric Studies by Optical Methods, (3 September 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.284757

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available