What question did this study set out to answer?

To measure and characterize large-amplitude electrostatic ELF waves in the unstable polar ionospheric E region and evaluate crossed-field two-stream instability theory.

November 1, 1978Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres

Electrostatic waves observed in an unstable polar cap ionosphere

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To measure and characterize large-amplitude electrostatic ELF waves in the unstable polar ionospheric E region and evaluate crossed-field two-stream instability theory.
Flown an instrumented rocket payload during upleg and downleg passages through the polar E-region ionosphere.
Conducted three-axis instantaneous measurements of wave electric vectors to confirm electrostatic behavior and determine altitude-dependent k vectors.
Concurrently measured electron density, electron temperature, DC electric fields, and AC and DC magnetic fields.
Confirmed the electrostatic nature of large-amplitude ELF waves and mapped their complete k vectors across the E region.
Demonstrated agreement between wave propagation directions, observed frequency ranges, and crossed-field two-stream instability theory.
Determined that the wave phase velocity was substantially lower than theoretical predictions, reaching only roughly one-third of the electron drift velocity.

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Implication

Rocket-borne observation reveals large-amplitude electrostatic ELF waves in the polar ionosphere E region, indicating phase velocities below two-stream instability predictions.

Cite This Study

Bahnsen et al. (1978) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a97157331394ac286fbeaf3 https://doi.org/10.1029/ja083ia11p05191

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Implication

Rocket-borne observation reveals large-amplitude electrostatic ELF waves in the polar ionosphere E region, indicating phase velocities below two-stream instability predictions.

Electrostatic waves observed in an unstable polar cap ionosphere

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

Electrostatic waves observed in an unstable polar cap ionosphere

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

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