Abstract
AbstractThroat auroras have been suggested to correspond to magnetopause indentations, but how such indentations can be generated is an open question. Using coordinated magnetopause in situ and two‐dimensional auroral imaging observations, we showed that a transient magnetopause crossing observed by Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms near the dayside magnetopause corresponds to a throat aurora observed by Defense Meteorological Satellite Program/Special Sensor Ultraviolet Spectrographic Imager. The magnetopause crossing was confirmed to present a localized magnetopause indentation rather than arise from motion of the whole magnetopause. Using the minimum variance analysis and Walén test methods, we captured clear reconnection signatures at either boundary of the indentation. Also, an upstream solar wind discontinuity and a magnetosheath variation were identified to correlate well with the magnetopause indentation occurrence. These observations suggest that the magnetopause indentation was generated by reconnection and lend solid support to an assumption that throat aurora is produced by a particular reconnection that can develop inward the magnetosphere at a much‐localized region.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
