Distant (200-238 Re) magnetotail lobe characteristics during quiet solar wind conditions
B. T. Tsurutani, M. E. Burton, E. J. Smith, D. E. Jones, R. P. Lepping, A. J. Lazarus
Space Physics and Astrophysics Section, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109
Abstract:
The distant (X = 200-238 Re) tail lobe average properties under quiet solar wind conditions have been determined using simultaneous ISEE-3 magnetic field and IMP-8 magnetic field and plasma observations. Under external solar wind pressures of Pext = B2/8p +Nk(Te + Ti) £ 5 X 10-10 dynes cm-2, an average tail lobe field strength of 7.1 ± 1.2 nT and average plasma beta (8p nkT/B2) of 0.3 are determined. It is concluded that under quiet solar wind conditions, the distant tail lobes are typically dominated by the magnetic field pressure.
Planet. Space Sci., 35, No. 3, 285-288, Mar. 1987