Solar wind - magnetosphere interaction

The solar wind interacts with the geomagnetic field, which behaves like a shield. The solar wind is deflected around the magnetosphere. A bow shock is formed upstream of the magnetosphere. The magnetopause is the interface between the shocked solar wind and the magnetospheric plasma.

The Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy mainly focusses on the magnetopause. Several studies have been conducted regarding the equilibrium structure of the magnetopause and its stability. In addition, we consider the time-dependent interaction of the solar wind and the magnetosphere at the magnetopause, in particular the ``impulsive penetration'' mechanism.

We are involved in the Cluster II mission, set to launch a tetrahedral configuration of 4 spacecraft in 2000, which will be very advantageous for the study of the magnetopause.We are also using data from other satellites to study the magnetopause: ISEE 1 and 2, AMPTE/IRM, and Interball-Tail.

Topics

Author: J. De Keyser   Curator: J. De Keyser  Johan.DeKeyser@oma.be