High time resolution plasma wave and magnetic field observations of the Jovian bow shock

Abstract

High time resolution (60 ms) Voyager magnetometer and plasma wave measurements of a strong (fast Mach number 16), quasi‐perpendicular Jovian bow shock reveal an abrupt change in the plasma wave spectrum at the leading edge of the shock foot. Upstream electron plasma waves terminate at the leading edge, and are replaced by a lower‐frequency broadband spectrum of ion‐acoustic‐like waves, which terminates at the main shock ramp. The clear association with the foot region of the lower frequency component suggests that it is generated by reflected ions. If the upstream plasma waves are generated by an escaping electron heat flux, their termination at the leading edge suggests that electrons are heated by the low‐frequency waves in the shock foot.