Cheryl Y. Huang

A New Empirical Thermospheric Density Model JB2008 Using New Solar and Geomagnetic Indices

Abstract : A new empirical atmospheric density model, Jacchia-Bowman 2008, is developed as an improved revision to the Jacchia-Bowman 2006 model which is based on Jacchia s diffusion equations. Driving solar indices are computed from on-orbit sensor data are used for the solar irradiances in the extreme through far ultraviolet, including x-ray and Lyman-alpha wavelengths. New exospheric temperature equations are developed to represent the thermospheric EUV and FUV heating. New semiannual density equations based on multiple 81-day average solar indices are used to represent the variations in the semiannual density cycle that result from EUV heating. Geomagnetic storm effects are modeled using the Dst index as the driver of global density changes. The model is validated through comparisons with accurate daily density drag data previously computed for numerous satellites in the altitude range of 175 to 1000 km. Model comparisons are computed for the JB2008, JB2006, Jacchia 1970, and NRLMSIS 2000 models. Accelerometer measurements from the CHAMP and GRACE satellites are also used to validate the new geomagnetic storm equations.

Electrodynamics of the inner magnetosphere observed in the dusk sector by CRRES and DMSP during the magnetic storm of June 4–6, 1991

We compare equatorward/earthward boundaries of convection electric fields and auroral/plasma sheet electrons detected by the DMSP F8 and CRRES satellites during the June 1991 magnetic storm. Measurements come from the dusk magnetic local time sector where the ring current penetrates closest to the Earth. The storm was triggered by a rapid increase in the solar wind dynamic pressure accompanied by a southward turning of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). Satellite data show the following: (1) all particle and field boundaries moved equatorward/earthward during the initial phase, probably in response to the strong southward IMF turning; (2) electric field boundaries were either at lower magnetic L shells or close to the inner edge of ring current ions throughout the main and early recovery phases. Penetration earthward of the ring current occurred twice as the polar cap potential increased rapidly; (3) electric potentials at subauroral latitudes were large fractions of the total potentials in the afternoon cell, twice exceeding 60 kV; and (4) the boundaries of auroral electron precipitation were more variable than those of electric fields and mapped to lower L shells than where CRRES encountered plasma sheet electrons. Observations qualitatively agree with predictions of empirical models for auroral electron and electric field boundaries.

Energy coupling during the August 2011 magnetic storm

Abstract : We present results from an analysis of high-latitude ionosphere-thermosphere (IT) coupling to the solar wind during a moderate magnetic storm which occurred on 5 6 August 2011. During the storm, a multipoint set of observations of the ionosphere and thermosphere was available. We make use of ionospheric measurements of electromagnetic and particle energy made by the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program and neutral densities measured by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment satellite to infer (1) the energy budget and (2) timing of the energy transfer process during the storm. We conclude that the primary location for energy input to the IT system may be the extremely high latitude region. We suggest that the total energy available to the IT system is not completely captured either by observation or empirical models.

Global electrodynamics observed during the initial and main phases of the July 1991 magnetic storm

Data acquired by seven fortuitously positioned satellites in the interplanetary medium, the magnetosphere, and the topside ionosphere, as well as from numerous ground magnetometers have allowed us to follow the evolution of global currents and electric fields during the geomagnetic storm on July 8–9, 1991. An interplanetary disturbance collided with the magnetosphere at ∼1636 UT on July 8th, compressing the magnetopause inside of geostationary orbit for about 3 hours, as observed by magnetometers on two GOES satellites. The resulting storm developed in four segments with a 7 hour lull separating the initial and main phases. The initial phase was characterized by (1) an extensive, DP 2 current system that produced an AE perturbation of ∼3500 nT, with reporting stations on the dayside, (2) a twenty-fold increase in auroral electron fluxes, and (3) the immediate appearance of electric fields in the inner magnetosphere. The main phase intensification and earthward movement of the ring current are associated with southward turnings of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) and a polar cap potential increase above 200 kV. A significant fraction of the ring current growth was observed prior to the first of several substorms that occurred during the main and recovery phases. The beginning of recovery was characterized by a diminution of the southward IMF component, the cross polar cap potential and magnetospheric electric fields. It was also marked by a substorm onset. Considering the timing of Dst modulations relative to substorm occurrence, we conclude that during this magnetic storm, the electric fields responsible for ring current transport/energization were mostly associated with the DP 2 current system. Finally, in the evening-sector penetration electric fields of the initial and main phases led to the formation of upward moving equatorial plasma bubbles that were detected by two DMSP satellites in the topside ionosphere.

Ionization due to electron and proton precipitation during the August 2011 storm

The parameterizations of monoenergetic particle impact ionization in Fang et al. (2010) (Fang2010) and Fang et al. (2013) (Fang2013) are applied to the complex energy spectra measured by DMSP F16 satellite to calculate the ionization rates from electron and ion precipitations for a Northern Hemisphere pass from 0030 UT to 0106 UT on 6 August 2011. Clear enhancement of electron flux is found in the polar cap. The mean electron energy in the polar cap is mostly above 100 eV, while the mean energy in the auroral zone is typically above 1 keV. At the same time, F16 captures a strong Poynting flux enhancement in the polar cap, which is comparable to those in the auroral zone. The particle impact ionization rates using Fang2010 and Fang2013 parameterizations show clear enhancement at F region altitudes mainly due to the low-energy precipitating electrons, peaking probably in the cusp but also showing enhanced levels throughout most of the polar cap region. The general circulation models (GCMs), National Center for Atmospheric Research Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Electrodynamics General Circulation Model, and Global Ionosphere-Thermosphere Model, using their default empirical formulations of particle impact ionization, do not capture the observed features shown in the total particle ionization rate applying the Fang2010 and Fang2013 parameterizations to DMSP measurements. The difference between GCM simulations and Fang2010 and Fang2013 applied to DMSP data is due to the difference of both the inputs to the models and the parameterization of the ionization rates.

Correlation between Poynting flux and soft electron precipitation in the dayside polar cap boundary regions

Abstract Observations have revealed large Poynting flux and soft electron precipitation around the cusp region, which have strong impacts on the polar ionosphere/thermosphere. Simulations also confirmed that Poynting flux and soft electron precipitation significantly change the neutral density and dynamics around the dayside polar cap boundary regions. However, no detailed study has been conducted to show if they should coincide with each other or not. Our analysis of Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellite data reveals a complex correlation between them. Poynting flux and soft particle precipitation are coincident in some cases (match cases), but a clear displacement between them can also be identified in others (nonmatch cases). In the 29 cusp crossings from F13 we investigated, the ratio between nonmatch and match cases is close to 1:4. In nonmatch cases, the displacement between the Poynting flux enhancement and soft particle precipitation enhancement can be as large as 1° in geomagnetic latitude.

Towards Next Level Satellite Drag Modeling

Orbital drag errors adversely impact many space missions including providing collision avoidance warnings for manned spaceflight and other high-value assets, accurately cataloging of all orbiting objects, predicting reentry times and estimating satellite lifetimes, on-board fuel requirements and attitude dynamics. Uncertainties in neutral density variations are the major satellite drag limiting factor for precise low-Earth orbit determination at altitudes below about 700 km. We review current efforts in empirical and theoretical models dedicated to meeting evolving stringent operational satellite drag requirements. New data sets from orbital drag, satellite-borne accelerometers and remote sensors now provide unprecedented capabilities for modeling thermospheric variability vs altitude, latitude, day of year, local time and solar-geomagnetic conditions. This effort is greatly enhanced by an AFOSR-supported Multi-University Research Initiative. Scientific community efforts are providing steady, previously unattainable, progress supporting Air Force research for an accurate assimilative and predictive operational first principles satellite drag model. There remains a critical need for comprehensive measurements of the thermosphere and relevant heating inputs.