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Eccentric dipole coordinates for MAGSAT data presentation and analysis of external current effects
Author(s) -
Wallis D. D.,
Burrows J. R.,
Hughes T. J.,
Wilson M. D.
Publication year - 1982
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/gl009i004p00353
Subject(s) - coordinate system , magnetic dipole , dipole , magnetic field , current (fluid) , computer science , field (mathematics) , physics , geodesy , geophysics , computational physics , geology , mathematics , computer vision , quantum mechanics , thermodynamics , pure mathematics
Magsat data provide an unequalled opportunity to study the magnetic field produced by currents external to the earth. Analyses of Magsat’s measurements are facilitated by an appropriately chosen magnetic coordinate system but existing coordinate systems are inappropriate. An eccentric dipole system based on Magsat measurements is presented which is useful both for positional information and data display. These two aspects must be carefully matched or unacceptable biases will be introduced. The proposed system facilitates intercomparison of Magsat measurements and numerical modelling results. Additionally the system permits a partial separation of magnetic field aligned currents, further facilitating external current analyses.