Satellite observations of Pc 1 pearl waves: The changing paradigm

Abstract

Pc 1 pearls have been observed on the ground for about 70 years. During this time numerous publications have been written on the various properties of Pc 1 pearl waves, the related theory, and possible applications. Pc 1 waves with a clear pearl structure are only a fraction of all Pc 1 waves observed on ground, and this fraction depends on the latitude of observations, increasing from high to low latitudes. In fact, the spatial and temporal occurrence of Pc 1 pearls is closely connected with the location and development of the plasmapause. While it has been known roughly 40 years that Pc 1 waves are electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves generated by anisotropic, energetic ions in the near-equatorial magnetosphere, the formation of pearl structure is still largely in question. In situ observations of Pc 1 waves in the Earth's magnetosphere have been made since the 1970s by various satellites in different orbits. However, satellite observations of clear Pc 1 pearls are still rather few. Here we review a few crucial satellite-based observations of Pc 1 pearls, and evaluate their contribution to the understanding of pearl formation. We show that the long-held paradigm of the bouncing wave packet model is in serious contradiction with satellite observations and therefore outdated. Instead, observations support the idea that Pc 1 wave growth rate is successively modulated at the equator by long-period ULF waves.