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Magnetopause transects
Author(s) -
Sonnerup B. U. Ö.,
Guo M.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/96gl03573
Subject(s) - magnetosheath , magnetopause , magnetosphere , physics , spacecraft , geophysics , magnetometer , magnetic flux , magnetic field , astronomy , quantum mechanics
A novel method is described for reconstruction of two‐dimensional current‐layer structures from measurements taken by a single spacecraft traversing the layer. In its present form, the method is applicable only to 2D magneto‐hydrostatic structures that are passively convected past the observing spacecraft. It is tested on a magnetopause crossing of the tangential‐discontinuity type by the spacecraft AMPTE/IRM. The magnetic structures recovered include a magnetic island located between two X‐type nulls as well as a magnetic ‘worm hole’ through which a bundle of weak magnetic flux appears to connect the magnetosphere and the magnetosheath.