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Magnetic field directional discontinuities. 2: Characteristics between 0.46 and 1.0 AUThe characteristics of directional discontinuities (DD's) in the interplanetary magnetic field are studied using data from the Mariner 10 primary mission between 1.0 and 0.46 AU. Statistical and visual survey methods for DD identification resulted in a total of 644 events. Two methods were used to estimate the ratio of the number of tangential discontinuities (TD's) to the number of rotational discontinuities (RD's). Both methods show that the ratio of TD's to RD's varied with time and decreased with decreasing radial distance. A decrease in average discontinuity thickness of approx. 40 percent was found between 1.0 and 0.72 AU and approx. 54 percent between 1.0 and 0.46 AU, independent of type (TD or RD). This decrease in thickness for decreasing r is in qualitative agreement with Pioneer 10 observations between 1 and 5 AU. When the individual DD thickness are normalized with respect to the estimated local proton gyroradius (RA sub L), the average thickness at the three locations is nearly constant, 43 + or - 6 R sub L. This also holds true for both RD's and TD's separately. Statistical distributions of other properties, such as normal components and discontinuity plane angles, are presented.
Document ID
19810004452
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Lepping, R. P. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Benhannon, K. W. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
September 4, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1980
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Report/Patent Number
NASA-TM-82036
REPT-695
Accession Number
81N12963
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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