Challenges associated with near‐Earth nightside current. Issue 7 (14th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liemohn, Michael W.; Ganushkina, Natalia Y.; Ilie, Raluca; Welling, Daniel T.
• Is Part Of: Journal of geophysical research. Volume 121:Issue 7(2016:Jul.)
• Page Start: 6763
• Page End: 6768
• Publication Date: 2016-07-14
• Subjects: magnetospheric current -- tail current -- ring current -- partial ring current -- banana current -- current density; Magnetospheric physics -- Periodicals; Space environment -- Periodicals; Cosmic physics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Atmospheres -- Periodicals; Heliosphere (Astrophysics) -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Periodicals; 523.01
• DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022948
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-9380

Abstract

Abstract: Every magnetic field of solar and planetary space environments is associated with a current of differentially flowing charged particles. Electric potential patterns in geospace and near other planets are also closely linked with currents. Close to the Earth, particularly in the near‐Earth nightside magnetosphere, several current systems wax and wane during periods of space weather activity. The velocity‐dependent drift, energization, and loss processes in this region complicate current system evolution. There is a discrepancy about the magnitude, timing, and location of these currents, however, and this Commentary pitches the case for a concerted community effort to resolve this issue. Key Points: Current densities in the near‐Earth nightside magnetosphere are not well quantified Current density partitioning between current systems is dynamic and not well understood Resolution of current system issues is important for better space weather forecasting