Auroral Dynamics in Relation to Magnetospheric Processes

Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD

Investigators

Abstract

The investigators will continue a program of research on the morphology and dynamics of Earth's magnetosphere, focussing on the dynamic connection between auroral ionospheric regions and distant magnetospheric regions. Research topics include (1) auroral oval shape, conjugacy and dependence on the interplanetary magnetic field, (2) dayside auroral phenomena, (3) geosynchronous substorm phenomena, and (4) the role of the middle magnetosphere in driving auroral arc currents. The studies will make use of DMSP and POLAR satellite data, and geosynchronous satellite data when available. A common theme in these studies is that the middle magnetosphere has a much more important role to play in discrete auroral phenomena.