Correlation of the interplanetary magnetic field with auroral form and latitudinal position

[摘要] Hourly values of the interplanetary magnetic field were compared with photographs of the auroral zone taken by satellite. The photographs were first classified according to the level of auroral activity. It was found that there was a correlation between the north-south component of the magnetic field and the level of auroral activity. The level of activity was seen to increase as the field became more southerly. Measurements of the position of the equatorward and poleward edge of the aurora were also made. These measurements when correlated with the Ysm component of the intersm planetary magnetic field, indicate that the equatorward edge of the aurora moves in a direction antiparallel to the interplanetary magnetic field vector.

[发布机构] Rice University