Abstract
We report on plasma densities and electric fields measured by the C/NOFS satellite between 10 and 20 June 2008. Midway through the interval, geomagnetic conditions changed from quiescent to disturbed as a high speed stream (HSS) in the solar wind passed Earth. During the HSS passage C/NOFS encountered post‐midnight irregularities that ranged from strong equatorial plasma bubbles to longitudinally broad depletions. At the leading edge of the HSS the interplanetary magnetic field rapidly intensified and rotated causing auroral electrojet currents to rise and fall within a few hours. As the electrojet relaxed, C/NOFS witnessed a rapid transition from a weakly to a strongly disturbed equatorial ionosphere that lasted ∼10 hours. Eastward polarization electric fields intensified within locally depleted flux tubes. We discuss relative contributions of gravity‐driven currents, overshielding electric fields and disturbance dynamos as drivers of post‐midnight depletions.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
