K‐coronameter observations and potential field model comparison in 1976 and 1977

Results of determining the shape and location of the heliospheric current sheet from a potential field model and from K‐coronameter observations are compared. Interplanetary magnetic field polarities as observed by IMP 8, Helios 1 and 2, and Voyager 2 spacecraft were used to test the two methods over the period May 1976 to August 1977 throughout 18 Carrington rotations. The computed heliospheric current sheets from both methods had a quasi‐stationary four‐sector structure and very similar shapes. Agreement between interplanetary magnetic field polarity and the results from the potential field model was found on 79% of the days, while agreement between the interplanetary field polarity and the polarities derived from the K‐coronameter data was found on 87% of the days.