Could a Low‐Frequency Perturbation in the Earth's Magnetotail Be Generated by the Lunar Wake?
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Both ground based magnetometers and ionospheric radars at Earth have frequently detected Ultra Low Frequency (ULF) fluctuations at discrete frequencies extending below one mHz‐range. Many dayside solar wind drivers have been convincingly demonstrated as driver mechanisms. In this paper we investigate and propose an additional, nightside generation mechanism of a low frequency magnetic field fluctuation. We propose that the Moon may excite a magnetic field perturbation of the order of 1 nT at discrete frequencies when it travels through the Earth's magnetotail 4–5 days every month. Our theoretical prediction is supported by a case study of ARTEMIS magnetic field measurements at the lunar orbit in the Earth's magnetotail. ARTEMIS detects statistically significant peaks in magnetic field fluctuation power at frequencies of 0.37–0.47 mHz that are not present in the solar wind.
Source: Geophysical Research Letters
DOI: 10.1029/2024gl110129
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,900
Funders: National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, UK Research and Innovation, Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Science and Technology Facilities Council, National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program, International Space Science Institute
Awards: Collaborative Research: Dipole Tilt Effect on Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability and Its Associated Ionospheric and Geomagnetic Signatures, G3057166759, Collaborative Research: NSFGEO-NERC:Conjugate Experiment to Investigate Sources of High-Latitude Magnetic Perturbations in Coupled Solar Wind-Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Ground System, G5077954742, G5739543521, G7645039024, G8058731235, G8687752281
OpenAlex ID: W4404671780