Engineering topics

Coleman, P. J., Jr.

Publications and source records attributed to Coleman, P. J., Jr..

At least 73 records · Page 4

NASA NTRS1973

Magnetic measurements of the solar wind interaction with the moon

The magnetic signature of the interaction between the moon and the solar wind (as observed by the Apollo 15 subsatellite) is an enhanced field directly behind the moon, bounded on either side by two dips in the field strength. On occasion, compressions of the field strength are observed external to either one or sometimes both of these dips. Theories of the interaction postulate either that these compressions are a general feature of the solar wind-moon interaction modulated by changes in the solar wind parameters or that they are associated with the appearance of specific lunar regions at the limbs. The measurements of the lunar magnetic field with the Apollo 15 and 16 subsatellites, the mapping of projected source positions of limb compressions onto the lunar surface, and the study of the persistence of limb compressions supports the hypothesis that limb compressions are formed when regions of high magnetization are at the lunar limbs.

Lichtenstein, B. R.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Subsatellite measurements of the lunar magnetic field

The Apollo 15 subsatellite magnetometer data have been used to map the lunar magnetic field over a narrow band of the lunar surface. Within this band the magnetic field is generally stronger and more variable over the farside highlands than the nearside maria. The correspondence between the strong variable lunar field regions and the source regions for limb compressions suggests that limb compressions arise as the result of the deflection of the solar wind just upstream of the terminator by the lunar magnetic field. Using this apparent relationship between field strength and limb compression source regions, it is deduced that the field strength in the northern farside highlands is not as strong as in the southern hemisphere at similar longitudes. Simultaneous measurements of the interplanetary magnetic field obtained by Explorer 35 and the Apollo 15 subsatellite above the dayside hemisphere are essentially identical. Thus, both instruments are measuring the undisturbed interplanetary field.

Russell, C. T.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Correlative studies of the solar wind. The interplanetary magnetic field, and their effects on the geomagnetic cavity using Explorer 33 and 35 data

The work completed in the study of the effects of the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field on the bow shock and geomagnetic cavity is reported along with work underway but not yet completed. The correlative data from Explorer 33 and 35, and the computer programs for processing the data are described. The research discussed includes: polar cusps, substorms, geomagnetic activity, and North-South component of the interplanetary magnetic field. Lists of publications, and papers presented at meetings are included.

Coleman, P. J., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Fluctuating magnetic fields in the magnetosphere. II - ULF waves.

At the present time the existing satellite observations of ULF waves suggest that the level of geomagnetic activity controls the types of waves which occur within the magnetosphere. Consequently, we consider separately quiet times, times of magnetospheric substorms, and times of magnetic storms. Within each of these categories, there are distinctly different wave modes distinguished by their polarization: either transverse or parallel to the ambient field. In addition, these wave phenomena occur in distinct frequency bands. In terms of the standard nomenclature of ground micropulsation studies ULF wave types observed in the magnetosphere include quiet time transverse - Pc 1, Pc 3, Pc 4, Pc 5; quiet time compressional - Pc 1 and Pi 1; substorm compressional Pi 1 and Pi 2; storm transverse - Pc 1; storm compressional Pc 4, 5.

Mcpherron, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Magnetometer instrument team studies for the definition phase of the outer planets grand tour

The objectives of magnetic field investigations on missions to the outer planets were defined as well as an instrumentation system, a program of studies and instrument development tasks was proposed for the mission definition phase of the Outer Planets Grand Tour project. A report on the status of this program is given. Requirements were also established for the spacecraft and the mission which would insure their compatibility with the magnetic field investigation proposed for the outer planets missions and developed figures of merit for encounter trajectories. The spacecraft-instrumentation interface and the on-board data handling system were defined in various reports by the Project Team and in the reports by the Science Steering Group. The defining program for exploring the outer planets within the more restrictive constraints of the Mariner Jupiter-Saturn project included defining a limited magnetic field investigation.

Coleman, P. J., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Frequency dependence of ATS-1 observed micropulsations of some geophysical parameters

Low frequency oscillations in the earth's magnetic field at the synchronous orbit were observed with the magnetometer experiment on board the ATS 1 satellite since Dec. 1966. An analysis of oscillations in the range .002 f .02 H3 for the interval Dec. 1966 through Dec. 1968 is reported. It was found that the frequency of an event increases with the sum of Kp for 24 hours prior to the event midpoint. For events with duration greater than 6 hours, the product moment correlation coefficient for frequency f, and the sum Kp was R = 0.87. The best least squares linear fit to the data for these events was f = (0.32) sum Kp = 5.1. For the same events the correlation coefficient for frequency and Dst was R = -0.83.

Mason, F.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Some characteristics of low-frequency oscillations observed at ATS 1.

Analysis of low-frequency oscillations of the magnetic field at ATS 1 for the 25-month data interval from December 1966 to December 1968. Irregular oscillations and oscillations associated with magnetic storms were excluded from the analysis. Of the 222 events identified, 170 events were oscillating predominantly transverse to the background magnetic field. The oscillations were observed to occur most frequently in the early afternoon hours. They also seemed to occur more frequently during December, January, and February than at other times of the year. During a given individual event the frequency was fairly constant and it varied between .0015 and .02 Hz with a broad peak near .01 Hz. The event duration varied between a minimum of 10 min and a maximum of 14 hours and 26 min. During a given event the amplitude varied. The average maximum amplitude of an event was about 3 gamma.

Cummings, W. D.↗

NASA NTRS1972

The particles and fields subsatellite magnetometer experiment

A preliminary analysis of magnetometer data from Apollo 15 subsatellite is concluded. Remanent magnetization is a characteristic property of the moon, and the distribution is such that a complex pattern is produced. A mapping of the distribution is feasible with the present experiment. Lunar induction fields produced by transients in interplanetary magnetic field are detectable at satellite orbit. Magnetometer data will provide estimates of the latitude and longitude dependences of interior conductivity. The plasma void extends to some altitude below the satellite orbit and probably the lunar surface. Solar wind near the limbs is usually strongly disturbed.

Coleman, P. J., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Storm-associated Pc 5 micropulsation events observed at the synchronous equatorial orbit.

Quasi-sinusoidal magnetic-field (micropulsations) are regularly observed at ATS 1 during geomagnetic storms. The wave events typically occur during the main phase and tend to be confined to the afternoon sector. All observed events have been closely correlated with magnetospheric substorm activity. Power spectral analysis shows that the observed oscillations are composed of harmonically related components. Twenty-six wave events were observed in 1967; the analysis of three typical Pc 5 events is presented here. The observations are compared with the predictions of theory for a hot inhomogeneous plasma. It is suggested that the observed micropulsations can be understood as the occurrence of either an Alfven wave instability, or a drift instability, of the enhanced storm-time ring current.

Barfield, J. N.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Solar wind

Conference on magnetic structure of interplanetary and solar magnetic fields and solar wind

Sonett, C. P.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Magnetic latitude effects in the solar wind

The Weber-Davis model of the solar wind is generalized to include the effects of latitude. The principal assumptions of high electrical conductivity, rotational symmetry, the polytropic relation between pressure and density, and a flow-alined field in a system rotating with the sun, are retained. An approximate solution to the resulting equations for spherical boundary conditions at the base of the corona indicates a small component of latitudinal flow toward the solar poles at large distances from the sun as result of latitudinal magnetic forces.

Winge, C. R., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Effects of interstellar particles upon the interplanetary magnetic field

The flow of interstellar neutral particles into the interplanetary medium and their subsequent ionization in the presence of the electromagnetic field of the solar wind can cause a loss of field angular momentum by the solar wind. One effect of this loss of field angular momentum is a significant unwinding of the spiral field. This effect is evaluated using simple models for neutral density and ion production. For a free-stream interstellar medium with a neutral hydrogen density of 1 per cubic centimeter and a velocity relative to the sun of 10 to 20 km per second, the spiral angle at the orbit of Jupiter will be less than its nominal value of 45 deg at the orbit of the earth.

Coleman, P. J., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1972

The particles and fields subsatellite magnetometer experiment

It is reported that the objectives of the particles and fields subsatellite (PFS) magnetometer experiment are to calculate the interior electrical conductivity of the moon, to survey the remanent magnetization of the lunar surface, and to study the interaction of the moon with its plasma environment. The magnetometers also support the PFS particle experiment by providing onboard magnetic sectoring and a posteriori pitch angle data and plasma diagnostics.

Coleman, P. J., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Preliminary mapping of the lunar magnetic field

Magnetic field measurements made with the Apollo 15 subsatellite established the existence of remanent magnetization over much of the Moon's surface. The major features of the structure of the measured remanent field are apparently associated with large craters, the most apparent detected to date being that in the vicinity of the Van de Graaff crater. A preliminary contour map of relative magnetic intensity was produced for a limited region of the Moon. A high resolution plot of the Van de Graaff region was constructed from vector data in an attempt to locate the source of the largest feature observed.

Coleman, P. J., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1971