Longitudinal phase and polarization characteristics in mid‐latitude Pi 2 pulsations

Polarization and phase characteristics of mid‐latitude Pi 2 pulsations are studied using the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory Magnetometer Network. From the analysis of 55 Pi 2 events it is concluded that the sense of apparent phase velocity and the sense of polarization are related as follows: Westward phase velocity is associated with left‐handed polarization, while eastward phase velocity coincides with right‐handed polarization. Phase changes per degree longitude as determined by the D component are larger than those computed from the H component. These results are compared to a previous analysis of nighttime pulsations. The differences in apparent phase velocities are discussed with regard to a recent model for the Pi 2 longitudinal polarization pattern.