Stanley W. H. Cowley

Bio: Stanley W. H. Cowley is an academic researcher from University of Leicester. The author has contributed to research in topics: Magnetosphere & Magnetopause. The author has an hindex of 83, co-authored 504 publications receiving 23457 citations. Previous affiliations of Stanley W. H. Cowley include European Space Research and Technology Centre & Imperial College London.

Excitation and decay of solar-wind driven flows in the magnetosphere-ionosphere system

Abstract: Basic concepts of the form of high-latitude ionospheric flows and their excitation and decay are discussed in the light of recent high time-resolution measurements made by ground-based radars. It is first pointed out that it is in principle impossible to adequately parameterize these flows by any single quantity derived from concurrent interplanetary conditions. Rather, even at its simplest, the flow must be considered to consist of two basic time-dependent components. The first is the flow driven by magnetopause coupling processes alone, principally by dayside reconnection. These flows may indeed be reasonably parameterized in terms of concurrent near-Earth interplanetary conditions, principally by the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) vector. The second is the flow driven by tail reconnection alone. As a first approximation these flows may also be parameterized in terms of interplanetary conditions, principally the north-south component of the IMF, but with a delay in the flow response of around 30-60 min relative to the IMF. A delay in the tail response of this order must be present due to the finite speed of information propagation in the system, and we show how "growth" and "decay" of the field and flow configuration then follow as natural consequences. To discuss the excitation and decay of the two reconnection-driven components of the flow we introduce that concept of a flow-free equilibrium configuration for a magnetosphere which contains a given (arbitrary) amount of open flux. Reconnection events act either to create or destroy open flux, thus causing departures of the system from the equilibrium configuration. Flow is then excited which moves the system back towards equilibrium with the changed amount of open flux. We estimate that the overall time scale associated with the excitation and decay of the flow is about 15 min. The response of the system to both impulsive (flux transfer event) and continuous reconnection is discussed in these terms.

The causes of convection in the Earth's magnetosphere: A review of developments during the IMS

Abstract: The physical processes which give rise to convection in the earth's magnetosphere have been the subject of active debate for many years. Most of the discussion has centered on two basic pictures, one in which closed magnetospheric flux tubes are transported from dayside to nightside in a boundary layer around the flanks of the magnetosphere by a ‘viscouslike’ process occurring at the magnetopause and the other in which open flux tubes are transported over the poles of the earth after reconnection has taken place with the interplanetary magnetic field. These processes may coexist on a continuous basis, and the question then arises as to their relative contributions to usual total cross-magnetospheric voltages of ∼40–100 kV. The first detailed observations of plasmas and fields in the vicinity of the dayside magnetopause have recently been made during the International Magnetospheric Study by the ISEE 1 and 2 spacecraft and are discussed in this paper in relation to this question. Observations which relate to the occurrence of ‘quasi-steady’ as well as impulsive flux transfer event (FTE) reconnection are reviewed in detail in the paper, together with measurements of the properties of the boundary layer on the magnetospheric flanks. Particular emphasis is given to the interpretation of these data in terms of the physical processes occurring. It is argued that the ISEE observations of quasi-steady reconnection are indeed compatible with the process playing a major role in magnetospheric dynamics. The observed frequency of these events at the magnetopause indicates that they are associated either with infrequent intervals of intense magnetospheric convection or with more frequent contributions of lesser intensity (i.e., ∼40 kV whenever IMF Bz is negative). The latter seems the more likely situation at the present time. In addition, a rough estimate of ∼20 kV is made for the contribution due to FTE's, this figure having the nature of a lower limit. It is therefore argued that the in situ ISEE observations pertaining to reconnection processes are consistent with the view that these provide a major contribution to magnetospheric flows. A preliminary picture is suggested from our inferences based on ISEE data in which quasi-steady subsolar reconnection occurs essentially continuously in a band ∼2 hours LT wide when IMF Bz ≤ 0, centered often near the noon meridian, while at other local times, reconnection also occurs but in an unsteady, sporadic manner. Examination of the unsteady flows observed in the boundary layers on the flanks of the magnetosphere yields voltages of typically ∼5–20 kV for dusk and dawn layers combined. Similar values are obtained from studies of low-altitude spacecraft observations, although there is some disagreement in the literature concerning the exact identification of the boundary layer in such data. This latter topic is also reviewed. It is also argued that part, at least, of the boundary layer flow could occur on open field lines and indeed that some of the boundary layer observations correspond closely to what one would expect for the magnetospheric counterpart of magnetosheath FTE's. Finally, recent analyses of the variation of the transpolar voltage (measured at low altitudes) with solar wind conditions suggest an average ∼30-kV contribution from the boundary layers, a rather higher value than is indicated by the in situ measurements. However, all these estimates suggest that the layers generally provide a small but sometimes significant contribution to the magnetospheric voltage. We conclude that dayside reconnection is the dominant contributor under usual conditions, in agreement with conclusions reached previously on the basis of less direct information.

The Cassini Magnetic Field Investigation

Abstract: The dual technique magnetometer system onboard the Cassini orbiter is described. This instrument consists of vector helium and fluxgate magnetometers with the capability to operate the helium device in a scalar mode. This special mode is used near the planet in order to determine with very high accuracy the interior field of the planet. The orbital mission will lead to a detailed understanding of the Saturn/Titan system including measurements of the planetary magnetosphere, and the interactions of Saturn with the solar wind, of Titan with its environments, and of the icy satellites within the magnetosphere.

Magnetospheric asymmetries associated with the y-component of the IMF

Abstract: Observed magnetospheric asymmetries which occur in response to the y-component of the IMF are discussed in terms of the open model of the magnetosphere. The torque which the IMF exerts on the magnetosphere about the Earth-Sun axis results in asymmetric addition of open flux tubes to the tail lobes about the noon-midnight meridian. In response an IMF-associated By field appears across the tail lobes. The ratio between internal and external By fields will generally be same as the ratio between internal and external electric fields. If the tail flux asymmetry is related to an asymmetric distribution of the field normal to the tail magnetopause then an asymmetry in tail lobe electric field and plasma populations will immediately result, as observed. If the flux asymmetry is associated with a twist in the tail then the By field will appear but not necessary the electric field and plasma asymmetries. Generally both effects may occur together. Simple open tail lobe models are derived which demonstrate the asymmetry effects. These represent more physically satisfactory models of the tail and its plasma populations than available hitherto, but they remain somewhat unrealistic in a number of respects. Finally, it is shown that the observed asymmetry effects on closed (auroral zone) field lines may be at least qualitatively accounted for if the cross-magnetosphere IMF-associated By field pervades not only the open but also the closed field line regime, as may be generally expected.

A survey of dayside flux transfer events observed by ISEE 1 and 2 magnetometers

Abstract: Flux transfer events (FTEs), observed on both the interior and exterior of the dayside magnetopause region by the ISEE 1 and 2 spacecraft, are noted to be a feature of the magnetopause region covered by the spacecraft when the magnetic field in the magnetosheath has a southward component, but not when it is northward. During periods of southward magnetosheath field, the average number and recurrence time of FTE signatures/magnetopause crossing are similar to those observed in the magnetopause interior, implying that the magnetosheath and magnetosphere FTEs are aspects of the same physical phenomenon. It is speculated that FTEs may provide the dominant means of flux transfer required for the driving of geomagnetic disturbances.

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

Abstract: Monthly Notices is one of the three largest general primary astronomical research publications. It is an international journal, published by the Royal Astronomical Society. This article 1 describes its publication policy and practice.

What is a geomagnetic storm

Abstract: After a brief review of magnetospheric and interplanetary phenomena for intervals with enhanced solar wind-magnetosphere interaction, an attempt is made to define a geomagnetic storm as an interval of time when a sufficiently intense and long-lasting interplanetary convection electric field leads, through a substantial energization in the magnetosphere-ionosphere system, to an intensified ring current sufficiently strong to exceed some key threshold of the quantifying storm time Dst index. The associated storm/substorm relationship problem is also reviewed. Although the physics of this relationship does not seem to be fully understood at this time, basic and fairly well established mechanisms of this relationship are presented and discussed. Finally, toward the advancement of geomagnetic storm research, some recommendations are given concerning future improvements in monitoring existing geomagnetic indices as well as the solar wind near Earth.

Optical magnetometry - eScholarship

Abstract: Some of the most sensitive methods of measuring magnetic fields use interactions of resonant light with atomic vapour. Recent developments in this vibrant field have led to improvements in sensitivity and other characteristics of atomic magnetometers, benefiting their traditional applications for measurements of geomagnetic anomalies and magnetic fields in space, and opening many new areas previously accessible only to magnetometers based on superconducting quantum interference devices. We review basic principles of modern optical magnetometers, discuss fundamental limitations on their performance, and describe recently explored applications for dynamical measurements of biomagnetic fields, detecting signals in NMR and MRI, inertial rotation sensing, magnetic microscopy with cold atoms, and tests of fundamental symmetries of nature.

The THEMIS Mission

Abstract: The Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) mission is the fifth NASA Medium-class Explorer (MIDEX), launched on February 17, 2007 to determine the trigger and large-scale evolution of substorms. The mission employs five identical micro-satellites (hereafter termed “probes”) which line up along the Earth’s magnetotail to track the motion of particles, plasma and waves from one point to another and for the first time resolve space–time ambiguities in key regions of the magnetosphere on a global scale. The probes are equipped with comprehensive in-situ particles and fields instruments that measure the thermal and super-thermal ions and electrons, and electromagnetic fields from DC to beyond the electron cyclotron frequency in the regions of interest. The primary goal of THEMIS, which drove the mission design, is to elucidate which magnetotail process is responsible for substorm onset at the region where substorm auroras map (∼10 RE): (i) a local disruption of the plasma sheet current (current disruption) or (ii) the interaction of the current sheet with the rapid influx of plasma emanating from reconnection at ∼25 RE. However, the probes also traverse the radiation belts and the dayside magnetosphere, allowing THEMIS to address additional baseline objectives, namely: how the radiation belts are energized on time scales of 2–4 hours during the recovery phase of storms, and how the pristine solar wind’s interaction with upstream beams, waves and the bow shock affects Sun–Earth coupling. THEMIS’s open data policy, platform-independent dataset, open-source analysis software, automated plotting and dissemination of data within hours of receipt, dedicated ground-based observatory network and strong links to ancillary space-based and ground-based programs. promote a grass-roots integration of relevant NASA, NSF and international assets in the context of an international Heliophysics Observatory over the next decade. The mission has demonstrated spacecraft and mission design strategies ideal for Constellation-class missions and its science is complementary to Cluster and MMS. THEMIS, the first NASA micro-satellite constellation, is a technological pathfinder for future Sun-Earth Connections missions and a stepping stone towards understanding Space Weather.

The WIND magnetic field investigation

Abstract: The magnetic field experiment on WIND will provide data for studies of a broad range of scales of structures and fluctuation characteristics of the interplanetary magnetic field throughout the mission, and, where appropriate, relate them to the statics and dynamics of the magnetosphere. The basic instrument of the Magnetic Field Investigation (MFI) is a boom-mounted dual triaxial fluxgate magnetometer and associated electronics. The dual configuration provides redundancy and also permits accurate removal of the dipolar portion of the spacecraft magnetic field. The instrument provides (1) near real-time data at nominally one vector per 92 s as key parameter data for broad dissemination, (2) rapid data at 10.9 vectors s−1 for standard analysis, and (3) occasionally, snapshot (SS) memory data and Fast Fourier Transform data (FFT), both based on 44 vectors s−1. These measurements will be precise (0.025%), accurate, ultra-sensitive (0.008 nT/step quantization), and where the sensor noise level is <0.006 nT r.m.s. for 0–10 Hz. The digital processing unit utilizes a 12-bit microprocessor controlled analogue-to-digital converter. The instrument features a very wide dynamic range of measurement capability, from ±4 nT up to ±65 536 nT per axis in eight discrete ranges. (The upper range permits complete testing in the Earth's field.) In the FTT mode power spectral density elements are transmitted to the ground as fast as once every 23 s (high rate), and 2.7 min of SS memory time series data, triggered automatically by pre-set command, requires typically about 5.1 hours for transmission. Standard data products are expected to be the following vector field averages: 0.0227-s (detail data from SS), 0.092 s (‘detail’ in standard mode), 3 s, 1 min, and 1 hour, in both GSE and GSM coordinates, as well as the FFT spectral elements. As has been our team's tradition, high instrument reliability is obtained by the use of fully redundant systems and extremely conservative designs. We plan studies of the solar wind: (1) as a collisionless plasma laboratory, at all time scales, macro, meso and micro, but concentrating on the kinetic scale, the highest time resolution of the instrument (=0.022 s), (2) as a consequence of solar energy and mass output, (3) as an external source of plasma that can couple mass, momentum, and energy to the Earth's magnetosphere, and (4) as it is modified as a consequence of its imbedded field interacting with the moon. Since the GEOTAIL Inboard Magnetometer (GIM), which is similar to the MFI instrument, was developed by members of our team, we provide a brief discussion of GIM related science objectives, along with MFI related science goals.