Publication Date:
2011-08-18
Description:
The Earth's bow shock is frequently cited as an example of an astrophysical shock where particle acceleration is observed. However, because energetic particles observed upstream of the bow shock may be accelerated within the magnetosphere, it is important to understand the properties of the magnetospheric source. A first order picture of the spatial distribution of magnetospheric particles in the magnetosheath and upstream is obtained by mapping those magnetic field lines which drape over the magnetopause through the bow shock. Subsets of these field lines that connect to potential sites of magnetic merging on the magnetopause are also traced in the event that leakage occurs preferentially where normal components of the field are present across the boundary. The results can be used to determine whether the so-called diffuse particles observed upstream are accelerated locally or within the magnetosphere.
Keywords:
SPACE RADIATION
Type:
Neilsen Eng. and Res., Inc. Appl. of A Global Solar Wind/Planetary Obstacle Interaction Computational Model 18p (SEE N84-26509 16-88)
Format:
text
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