What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to clarify the mechanism behind the triggering of magnetospheric substorms.

July 25, 2008Science

Tail Reconnection Triggering Substorm Onset

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Simultaneous measurements reveal tail reconnection initiates substorm onset, suggesting a new mechanism.

This research aims to clarify the mechanism behind the triggering of magnetospheric substorms.
Conducted simultaneous measurements in the magnetotail at multiple distances during substorm onset.
Focused on reconnection events at approximately 20 R(E) during substorm activity.
Monitored electrical current and auroral activity timelines relative to reconnection events.
Reconnection observed at 20 R(E) at least 1.5 minutes before auroral intensification.
Substorm expansion began at least 2 minutes after reconnection events.
Near-Earth current disruption occurred approximately 3 minutes after observed reconnection.

Angelopoulos et al. (2008) studied this question.

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