Anthony C. Riddle

Voyager 1 Planetary Radio Astronomy Observations Near Jupiter

We report results from the first low-frequency radio receiver to be transported into the Jupiter magnetosphere. We obtained dramatic new information, both because Voyager was near or in Jupiters radio emission sources and also because it was outside the relatively dense solar wind plasma of the inner solar system. Extensive radio spectral arcs, from above 30 to about 1 megahertz, occurred in patterns correlated with planetary longitude. A newly discovered kilometric wavelength radio source may relate to the plasma torus near Ios orbit. In situ wave resonances near closest approach define an electron density profile along the Voyager trajectory and form the basis for a map of the torus. Detailed studies are in progress and are out-lined briefly.

Planetary radio astronomy experiment for Voyager missions

The planetary radio astronomy experiment will measure radio spectra of planetary emissions in the range 1.2 kHz to 40.5 MHz. These emissions result from wave-particle-plasma interactions in the magnetospheres and ionospheres of the planets. At Jupiter, they are strongly modulated by the Galilean satellite Io.As the spacecraft leave the Earths vicinity, we will observe terrestrial kilometric radiation, and for the first time, determine its polarization (RH and LH power separately). At the giant planets, the source of radio emission at low frequencies is not understood, but will be defined through comparison of the radio emission data with other particles and fields experiments aboard Voyager, as well as with optical data. Since, for Jupiter, as for the Earth, the radio data quite probably relate to particle precipitation, and to magnetic field strength and orientation in the polar ionosphere, we hope to be able to elucidate some characteristics of Jupiter auroras.Together with the plasma wave experiment, and possibly several optical experiments, our data can demonstrate the existence of lightning on the giant planets and on the satellite Titan, should it exist. Finally, the Voyager missions occur near maximum of the sunspot cycle. Solar outburst types can be identified through the radio measurements; when the spacecraft are on the opposite side of the Sun from the Earth we can identify solar flare-related events otherwise invisible on the Earth.

Voyager Planetary Radio Astronomy at Neptune

Detection of very intense short radio bursts from Neptune was possible as early as 30 days before closest approach and at least 22 days after closest approach. The bursts lay at frequencies in the range 100 to 1300 kilohertz, were narrowband and strongly polarized, and presumably originated in southern polar regions ofthe planet. Episodes of smooth emissions in the frequency range from 20 to 865 kilohertz were detected during an interval of at least 10 days around closest approach. The bursts and the smooth emissions can be described in terms of rotation in a period of 16.11 � 0.05 hours. The bursts came at regular intervals throughout the encounter, including episodes both before and after closest approach. The smooth emissions showed a half-cycle phase shift between the five episodes before and after closest approach. This experiment detected the foreshock of Neptunes magnetosphere and the impacts of dust at the times of ring-plane crossings and also near the time of closest approach. Finally, there is no evidence for Neptunian electrostatic discharges.

Redefinition of system III longitude

Abstract There is a current need for a redefinition of the Jovian System III longitude measure. We report on a proposed new definition which has been widely circulated among users and has met with general acceptance. Some errors in current calculations of System III [1957.0] are not noted so that these errors can be avoided in future calculations.

Correlation of a flare-wave and type II burst

We have studied the relation of a flare-induced wave and the type II and III radio bursts associated with the 26 April 1969, 2258 UT flare. Our observations suggest the flare-wave and type II bursts were produced by a common source.

Shock waves and type II radiobursts in the interplanetary medium

The planetary radio astronomy experiment on the Voyager spacecraft observed several type II solar radiobursts at frequencies below 1.3 MHz; these correspond to shock waves at distances between 20R⊙ and 1 AU from the Sun. We study the characteristics of these bursts and discuss the information that they give on shock waves in the interplanetary medium and on the origin of the high energy electrons which give rise to the radioemission. The relatively frequent occurence of type II bursts at large distances from the Sun favors the hypothesis of the emission by a longitudinal shockwave. The observed spectral characteristics reveal that the source of emission is restricted to only a small portion of the shock. From the relation between type II bursts, type III bursts and optical flares, we suggest that some of the type II bursts could be excited by type III burst fast electrons which catch up the shock and are then trapped.

The slowly varying component of solar meter wavelength radiation: a non- thermal radio source

The slowly varying component of solar centimeter wavelength radiation can often be attributed to thermal emission from density enhancements above an active region. This assertion is justified by the success in reproducing the observations by ray tracing calculations in appropriate coronal models. Similar components have been observed at meter wavelengths and thermal radiation from density enhancements has again been suggested as the emission mechanism. However ray tracing calculations at meter wavelengths, unlike those at centimeter wavelengths, must include both refraction and scattering effects for realistic modelling. In this study, in which scattering is included for the first time, it is shown that scattering may lead to lower emission from density enhancements rather than higher emission as predicted by models in which refraction alone is considered. This strongly suggests that the emission observed at meter wavelengths is of non-thermal origin.

On the determination of coronal temperature from the decay of type III radio bursts

Assumptions inherent in the determination of coronal temperature from the decay rate of type III radio bursts are examined. It is suggested that no reliable temperature estimates can yet be made.

A distinctive type of ascending prominence - 'Fountain'

Cinematographic observations of solar prominences made at Mauna Loa during the past couple of years suggest that there is a well-defined sub-class of ascending prominences characterized by closed-system transference of chromospheric material along an arch or loop (up one leg and down the other); meanwhile the entire prominence envelope steadily rises upward and expands through the corona. We denote these prominences as ‘fountains’. Several examples are described. Fountains appear to be well contained by coronal magnetic fields. Their total kinetic energy is in the order of 1030 erg but dissipation is typically quite slow (over time periods like 100 min) so that the correlative disturbances (radio bursts, coronal transients, chromopsheric brightenings, etc.) are generally unspectacular or non-existent.

The Coronal Disturbance of 12 August 1972

(Solar Phys).. The association of flare sprays, distortions of the overlying coronal structures and moving type IV radio bursts is a reasonable one and is well accepted despite the paucity of observational evidence. On 12 August 1972 there occurred a flare spray observed optically by both flare patrol (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) and coronagraph (High Altitude Observatory) instruments. A subsequent moving type IV radio burst was recorded on two swept frequency interferometers (Universities of Colorado and Maryland). In addition distinct changes in the K-coronal brightness at 1.6 R⊙ were measured (High Altitude Observatory K coronameter). These observations combine to form one of the most complete sequences of measurements yet recorded covering the range from the chromosphere to about 6 R⊙. The separate measurements are discussed and we show that they can be combined to form a relatively simple physical picture of the whole event.