Electron beams at geosynchronous orbit
By: Raymond C. Gaw
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1993
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 95
Description: This thesis surveys electron and ion measurements collected by the geosynchronous satellite 1989-046. In particular, this survey focuses on a phenomenon known as electron beams , which are attributed to the sudden acceleration of electrons along the earth's magnetic field lines. Observations over a twelve day period reveal electron beam occurrences during the first few minutes of hot plasma injection associated with a magnetospheric substorm. Analysis of distribution functions show these beams have a characteristic peak. These distributions can be approximately fitted as Maxwellians, providing a means of characterizing the temperature, density, and potential drop associated with the beam. Plots of the differential flux also show a general diffusion of the beam into neighboring pitch angles. Theories on the source of the acceleration and diffusion are presented.
Notes: Thesis advisor(s): Richard Christopher Olsen.

"September 1993."

Thesis (M.S. in Systems Technology) Naval Postgraduate School, September 1993.

Bibliography: p. 92-93.

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US Navy (USN) author.