Open AccessRecurrent geomagnetic storms and relativistic electron enhancements in the outer magnetosphere: ISTP coordinated measurements
Author(s) -
Baker D. N.,
Li X.,
Turner N.,
Allen J. H.,
Bargatze L. F.,
Blake J. B.,
Sheldon R. B.,
Spence H. E.,
Belian R. D.,
Reeves G. D.,
Kanekal S. G.,
Klecker B.,
Lepping R. P.,
Ogilvie K.,
Mewaldt R. A.,
Onsager T.,
Singer H. J.,
Rostoker G.
Publication year - 1997
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 - 10.1029/97ja00565
Subject(s) - magnetosphere , solar wind , geomagnetic storm , physics , coronal mass ejection , earth's magnetic field , coronal hole , geophysics , solar minimum , atmospheric sciences , solar flare , space weather , solar cycle , astronomy , plasma , magnetic field , quantum mechanics
New, coordinated measurements from the International Solar‐Terrestrial Physics (ISTP) constellation of spacecraft are presented to show the causes and effects of recurrent geomagnetic activity during recent solar minimum conditions. It is found using WIND and POLAR data that even for modest geomagnetic storms, relativistic electron fluxes are strongly and rapidly enhanced within the outer radiation zone of the Earth's magnetosphere. Solar wind data are utilized to identify the drivers of magnetospheric acceleration processes. Yohkoh solar soft X‐ray data are also used to identify the solar coronal holes that produce the high‐speed solar wind streams which, in turn, cause the recurrent geomagnetic activity. It is concluded that even during extremely quiet solar conditions (sunspot minimum) there are discernible coronal holes and resultant solar wind streams which can produce intense magnetospheric particle acceleration. As a practical consequence of this Sun‐Earth connection, it is noted that a long‐lasting E>1MeV electron event in late March 1996 appears to have contributed significantly to a major spacecraft (Anik E1) operational failure.