Magnetic reconnection at Uranus' magnetopause
File(s)
Author(s)
Masters, A
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The magnetosphere of Uranus has barely been explored by spacecraft but is distinct from other solar system magnetospheres in many respects. Determining how this magnetosphere is coupled to the solar wind is central to understanding energy flow through the system. Here we assess how the solar wind interacts with the Uranian magnetosphere via magnetic reconnection. Analytical models of conditions at the magnetopause are combined with current understanding of reconnection onset to predict where reconnection may occur on the boundary. The results suggest that conditions at Uranus' magnetopause are generally less favorable for reconnection than those at the magnetopause of any planet closer to the Sun, as a result of how typical solar wind parameters vary with heliocentric distance. The location of reconnection sites on the Uranian magnetopause is likely to be highly dependent on not only the interplanetary magnetic field orientation but also planetary longitude and season. Solar wind–magnetosphere coupling via magnetic reconnection may be stronger under near‐solstice conditions than under near‐equinox conditions. We discuss the typical reconnection electric field strength at Uranus' magnetopause and suggest that the typical reconnection voltage is considerably less than 40 kV. Complimentary assessments of other means of coupling to the solar wind (e.g., via a “viscous‐like” interaction) are needed to establish the overall nature of solar wind–magnetosphere coupling at Uranus.
Date Issued
2014-07-01
Date Acceptance
2014-06-27
Citation
Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics, 2014, 119 (7), pp.5520-5538
ISSN
2169-9380
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
Start Page
5520
End Page
5538
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Volume
119
Issue
7
Copyright Statement
An edited version of this paper was published by AGU. © 2014. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved. Masters, A. (2014), Magnetic reconnection at Uranus' magnetopause, J. Geophys. Res. Space Physics, 119, 5520–5538, 10.1002/2014JA020077. To view the published open abstract, go to http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/2014JA020077
Identifier
http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000340549000027&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Astronomy & Astrophysics
PLASMA DEPLETION LAYER
BOW SHOCK
MAGNETOSHEATH PROPERTIES
RADIATION ENVIRONMENT
SHEAR EVIDENCE
OUTER PLANETS
HOT PLASMA
FIELD
WIND
MAGNETOSPHERE
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2014-07-01