Open AccessDawn‐dusk asymmetries in the Earth's magnetosheath
Author(s) -
Walsh B. M.,
Sibeck D. G.,
Wang Y.,
Fairfield D. H.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: space physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.67
H-Index - 298
eISSN - 2156-2202
pISSN - 0148-0227
DOI - 10.1029/2012ja018240
Subject(s) - magnetosheath , magnetopause , physics , solar wind , geophysics , magnetohydrodynamics , interplanetary magnetic field , asymmetry , interplanetary spaceflight , bow shock (aerodynamics) , magnetic field , geology , astrophysics , shock wave , mechanics , quantum mechanics
Statistical observations by the THEMIS spacecraft show a dawn‐dusk asymmetry in plasma parameters within the Earth's magnetosheath. Proton density and temperature are greater on the dawnside while the magnetic field strength and bulk flow are greater on the duskside. The asymmetry has been measured just outside the magnetopause in the dayside magnetosheath through 1114 boundary crossings from 2008 through 2010. These results are compared with modeling from the BATS‐R‐US global MHD code and are consistent with the expected asymmetries that would result from the interactions of the Parker spiral interplanetary magnetic field with the Earth's bow shock. Solar cycle variations are analyzed for the current and past studies to predict the influence of upstream conditions during different time periods.