Magnetospheric Plasma Analyzer (MPA): Plasma observations from geosynchronous orbit

Abstract

This paper briefly summarizes the early studies of the Los Alamos Magnetospheric Plasma Analyzer (MPA) observations. The three MPA instruments presently on orbit are returning a unique set of simultaneous, multi‐point observations of the geosynchronous plasma environment. So far, MPA studies can be divided into six general topics: 1) morphology and distribution of the plasma regions observed at geosynchronous orbit, 2) the location and shape of the magnetopause when compressed and/or eroded to within geosynchronous orbit, 3) rare geosynchronous lobe encounters, 4) magnetic field line models and field line mapping, 5) outer plasmasphere shape, configuration, and dynamics, and 6) local plasma processes. This paper briefly highlights the MPA‐related work in each of these areas. In addition, a list of ongoing MPA studies is provided; other collaborative uses of these data are strongly encouraged.