Premium
Magnetospheric and interplanetary physics 1979–1982
Author(s) -
Stern David P.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
reviews of geophysics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 8.087
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1944-9208
pISSN - 8755-1209
DOI - 10.1029/rg021i002p00361
Subject(s) - magnetosphere , physics , interplanetary spaceflight , astrobiology , astronomy , saturn , jupiter (rocket family) , titan (rocket family) , planet , outer planets , plasma , spacecraft , solar wind , nuclear physics
The quadrennium 1979–1982 witnessed notable advances in magnetospheric and interplanetary physics, and demonstrated some major trends. Examples of both will be listed below, followed by an evaluation of the state of the discipline and of its future. Standing out among the advances is the enormous volume of data about the magnetospheres of the giant planets , collected by Voyagers 1–2 and by Pioneer 11. At the start of 1979 the very existence of Saturn's magnetic field was uncertain, and the role of the satellite Io in Jupiter's magnetosphere was only dimly guessed: 4 years later we have extensive information on both magnetospheres, on their underlying planetary fields, ring currents, radio emissions, plasma composition and nightside configuration, and about such matters as Io's plasma torus and the current filament linking Io to Jupiter, Saturn's inner radiation belt (from neutron albedo) and Titan's wake.