VLF Emissions observed at the low latitude Indian station Varanasi

VLF emissions such as hiss, chorus, pulsing hiss, triggered emissions observed at Varanasi (geom. lat. = 14° 55′ N, long. = 153° 55′ E) are reported. An attempt has been made to explain the dynamic spectra in terms of the generation mechanism and propagation through the inhomogeneous magnetoplasma. It is noted that the reported events have propagated along different L-values in the magnetosphere, although they have been recorded at the same station. The ULF waves propagating along geomagnetic field lines modulate the growth rate of VLF waves, which results in the pulsation of VLF hiss intensity. The pulsating growth rate has been computed.     

One-to-one relationship between low latitude whistlers and conjugate source lightning discharges and their propagation characteristics

One-to-one relation with its causative lightning discharges and propagation features of night-time whistlers recorded at low-latitude station, Allahabad (geomag. lat. 16.05°N, L = 1.08), India, from continuous observations made during 1–7 April, 2011 have been studied. The whistler observations were made using the Automatic Whistler Detector (AWD) system and AWESOME VLF receiver. The causative lightning strikes of whistlers were checked in data provided by World-Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN). A total of 32 whistlers were observed out of which 23 were correlated with their causative lightnings in and around the conjugate location (geom. lat. 9.87°S) of Allahabad. A multi-flash whistler is also observed on 1 April with dispersions 15.3, 17.5 and 13.6 s^1/2. About 70% (23 out of 32) whistlers were correlated with the WWLLN detected causative lightnings in the conjugate region which supports the ducted mode of propagation at low latitude. The multi-flash and short whistlers also propagated most likely in the ducted mode to this station.     

Rare observation of daytime whistlers at very low latitude (L = 1.08)

The source region and propagation mechanism of low latitude whistlers (Geomag. lat. <30°) have puzzled scientific community for last many decades. In view of recent reports, there is consensus on the source region of low latitude whistlers in the vicinity of the conjugate point. But the plausible conditions of ionospheric medium through which they travel are still uncertain. In addition to that, the whistlers in daytime are never observed at geomagnetic latitudes less than 20°. Here, for the first time, we present a rare observations of whistlers during sunlit hours from a very low-latitude station Allahabad (Geomag. Lat: 16.79°N, L = 1.08) in India on 04 February 2011. More than 90 whistlers are recorded during 1200–1300 UT during which the whole propagation path from lightning source region to whistler observation site is under sunlit. The favorable factors that facilitated the whistlers prior to the sunset are investigated in terms of source lightning characteristics, geomagnetic and background ionospheric medium conditions. The whistler activity period was found to be geomagnetically quiet. However, a significant suppression in ionospheric total electron content (TEC) compared to its quiet day average is found. This shows that background ionospheric conditions may play a key role in low latitude whistler propagation. This study reveals that whistlers can occur under sunlit hours at latitudes as low as L = 1.08 when the source lightning and ionospheric medium characteristics are optimally favorable.     

An explanation of the observation of pulsing hiss at low latitude

In this paper we report pulsing hiss emissions observed at the low latitude station, Jammu (geomag. lat. 22°26′N, L = 1.17) in which intensity decreases with the increase in frequency. The entire dynamic spectra contain somewhat irregular structure. To explain these we propose that the hiss emissions are generated through Doppler-shifted cyclotron interactions near the equator and propagate to the earth in the whistler-mode. Further, ULF waves present in the generation region modulate the intensity of the emission resulting in the pulsing nature. The growth rates are computed and discussed in the light of recent works.     

The statistical features of radio bursts with fine structure at 1.1–7.6 GHz

This work presents the spectral and temporal features of radio bursts with fine structures (FSs) at broad band from 1.1 to 7.6 GHz. Fifteen burst events are studied with high frequency and temporal cadence observation from the Solar Broadband Radio Spectrometer at three frequency bands. It is found that the amount and species of radio FS decrease with increasing frequency band; the pulsation, type III burst and continuum are most frequently recorded; almost in all the burst events, more radio FSs occur before the soft X-ray (SXR) maximum than after; at 1.1–2.06 GHz, all types of radio FSs have more before the SXR peak except fiber; at 2.6–3.8 GHz, pulsation, fiber and spike prefer to appear after the peak; the separation between neighboring emission lines of zebra pattern increases with increasing frequency and the magnetic field deduced from the whistler model is 29–86 G at 1.1–2.06 GHz and 89–268 G at 2.6–3.8 GHz.     

Appearance of VLF and ELF-noises in topside ionosphere under the action of high power radio wave from data of satellite intercosmos-24

Results of a satellite experiment are presented on detection of VLF and ELF-waves excited by irradiation of the night ionosphere F-region by the field of a nonmodulated high-power radio wave. The excited VLF and ELF-waves have been detected at the topside ionosphere heights h=500–1000 km in the frequency bands 8 kHz相似文献   

Siple VLF transmissions and their magnetospheric effects observed at Halley,Antarctica

Halley (75.5°S, 26.7°W, L = 4.3) is well placed for reception of subionospheric signals from the Siple transmitter. Occasionally a two-hop magnetospheric response to such signals can be observed. The data presented here are relevant to the problems of the radiation and propagation of VLF waves in the polar earth/ionosphere waveguide, duct stimulation and ducted wave amplification and the growth of triggered emissions. An upper sideband emission 20–40 Hz higher in frequency than the transmitted pulse was often received at a similar strength to, and simultaneously with the two-hop whistler mode echo.     

Dark matter in very poor galaxy groups

We have analyzed a sample of 7000 galaxies in the Local Supercluster (LS) (V < 3100 km/s) selected from the LEDA database [Makarov, D.I., Karachentsev, I.D. A new catalogue of multiple galaxies in the local supercluster small galaxy groups. Small Galaxy Groups ASP Confer. Ser. 209, 40–46, 2000]. We have derived physical properties of poor LS groups selected by dynamical and 3D-Voronoi tessellation methods. Median values of mass-to-luminosity ratios for poor LS groups selected by these methods are 50 M_⊙/L_⊙ and 34 M_⊙/L_⊙, respectively. Physical parameters of LS galaxy triplets in comparison with other samples were evaluated. We suggest that the Dressler effect is present even in such poor groups as galaxy triplets. The data suggest that dark matter haloes are associated with the individual galaxies for LS triplets, which we find are dynamically younger systems. This contrasts with the properties of the Interacting and Northern & Southern triplet samples. For these two samples, the data suggest that the dark matter resides in a common halo. The median values of the mass-to-luminosity ratios for LS triplets, Northern & Southern triplets, and Interacting triplets are 35 M_⊙/L_⊙, 47 M_⊙/L_⊙, and 13 M_⊙/L_⊙, respectively.     

Response of low latitude D-region ionosphere to the total solar eclipse of 22 July 2009 deduced from ELF/VLF analysis

Response of the D-region of the ionosphere to the total solar eclipse of 22 July 2009 at low latitude, Varanasi (Geog. lat., 25.27° N; Geog. long., 82.98° E; Geomag. lat. = 14° 55’ N) was investigated using ELF/VLF radio signal. Tweeks, a naturally occurring VLF signal and radio signals from various VLF navigational transmitters are first time used simultaneously to study the effect of total solar eclipse (TSE). Tweeks occurrence is a nighttime phenomena but the obscuration of solar disc during TSE in early morning leads to tweek occurrence. The changes in D-region ionospheric VLF reflection heights (h) and electron density (n_e: 22.6–24.6 cm⁻³) during eclipse have been estimated from tweek analysis. The reflection height increased from ∼89 km from the first occurrence of tweek to about ∼93 km at the totality and then decreased to ∼88 km at the end of the eclipse, suggesting significant increase in tweek reflection height of about 5.5 km during the eclipse. The reflection heights at the time of totality during TSE are found to be less by 2–3 km as compared to the usual nighttime tweek reflection heights. This is due to partial nighttime condition created by TSE. A significant increase of 3 dB in the strength of the amplitude of VLF signal of 22.2 kHz transmitted from JJI-Japan is observed around the time of the total solar eclipse (TSE) as compared to a normal day. The modeled electron density height profile of the lower ionosphere depicts linear variation in the electron density with respect to solar radiation as observed by tweek analysis also. These low latitude ionospheric perturbations on the eclipse day are discussed and compared with other normal days.     

An investigation of high frequency auroral plasma emissions with a tubular dipole antenna

A band of enhanced amplitudes which follows a local plasma frequency fn in raw high frequency (HF) noise spectra is usually related to plasma emissions in the upper hybrid band (fn, fu). The enhanced band in question occurs permanently in noise spectra recorded on the Intercosmos-19, APEX and CORONAS satellites in the altitude range of 500 km–3000 km. For moderately magnetized plasma with fn > 2fc (fc – electron gyro frequency), the band occurs below fn determined from the topside sounder and impedance data or from electron beam induced spectra. The simulations of an equivalent circuit composed of a dipole antenna in a cold plasma and its preamplifiers, determined the physical origin of the band as the passive circuit resonance, due to inductive character of the antenna in a frequency band (fc, fu). The resonance spectral content is highly structured due to an inflight variability of the circuit impedances. In this report we analyze the noise and impedance spectra which are the most typical in an auroral zone if fn > fc. We focus attention on determination of local electron plasma density, essential for provisional HF mode classification. We found that the natural plasma emission in the upper hybrid band does not manifest itself as the banded natural emission, which may be used for reliable determination of local plasma frequency in the altitude range of 500–3000 km. The fast magnetosonic mode predominates in the auroral emissions. The broadband and multi banded electromagnetic emissions extending from the fast magnetosonic band well above fn > fc are characteristic for the strong wave activity and are much less frequent.     

武昌哨声的传播特征及其与地磁活动的相关

本文利用武昌(磁纬19.2°N)连续三年的哨声观测资料,研究了武昌地区哨声传播的一般特征。着重对武昌哨声的传播路径进行了分析推断,并讨论了它们与地磁活动的相关特性。发现:武昌哨声的显著特征是色散与电离层f₀F₂有明显的正相关关系;其次常出现一类色散值稳定、出现率也很高的哨声。此外,对典型事件的分析及统计分析都表明武昌哨声出现率在地磁扰动时明显增高;哨声色散在磁暴急始后不久即有一个急剧的上升,上升幅度达18%至37%。      

哨声波的自聚焦(Ⅱ)——当磁层对波有放大作用时的讨论

本文指出, 当磁层对波有放大作用时, 哨声波的自聚焦容易发生;当磁层对波有吸收时, 哨声波的自聚焦不容易发生.      

哨声波的自聚焦

本文分析和计算了由于有质动力所导致的哨声波的自聚焦现象。结果表明,对磁层内的中等强度哨声和强哨声自聚焦是可能的。从而这种自聚焦现象可能是哨声导管传播的一种非线性机制。      

Evolution of periodic orbits near the Lagrangian point L2

A study of the evolution of the periodic and the quasi-periodic orbits near the Lagrangian point L₂, which is located to the right of the smaller primary on the line joining the primaries and whose distance from the more massive primary is greater than the distance between the primaries, in the framework of restricted three-body problem for the Sun–Jupiter, Earth–Moon (relatively large mass ratio) and Saturn–Titan (relatively small mass ratio) systems is made. Two families of periodic orbits around the smaller primary are identified using the Poincaré surface of section method – family I (initially elliptical, gradually becomes egg-shaped with the increase in the Jacobi constant C and elongated towards the more massive primary) and family II (initially egg-shaped orbits elongated towards L₂ and gradually becomes elliptical with the increase in C). The family I in the Sun–Jupiter and Saturn–Titan systems contains two separatrix caused by third-order and fourth-order resonances, while the Earth–Moon system has only one separatrix which is caused by third-order resonances. Also in the Sun–Jupiter and the Saturn–Titan systems, family I merge with family II, around Jacobian constant 3.0393 and 3.0163, respectively, while in the Earth–Moon system, family II evolves separately from two different branches. The two branches merge at C = 3.184515. In the Earth–Moon system, the family II contains a separatrix due to third-order resonances which is absent in the other two systems.     

Creation of model of quasi-trapped proton fluxes below Earth’s radiation belt

The object of investigation is the phenomenon of proton (from tens keV to several MeV) flux enhancement in near-equatorial region (L < 1.15) at altitude up to ∼1300 km (the storm-time equatorial belt). These fluxes are quite small but the problem of their origin is more interesting than the possible damage they can produce. The well known sources of these protons are radiation belt and ring current. The mechanism of transport is the charge-exchange on neutral hydrogen of exosphere and the charge-exchange on oxygen of upper atmosphere. Therefore this belt is something like the ring current projection to low altitudes. Using the large set of satellites data we obtain the average energy spectrum, the approximation of spectrum using kappa-function, the flux dependence on L, B geomagnetic parameters. On the basis of more than 30 years of experimental observations we made the empiric model that extends model of proton fluxes below 100 keV in the region of small L-values (L < 1.15). The model was realized as the package of programs integrated into COSRAD system available via Internet. The model can be used for revision of estimation of dose that low-orbital space devices obtain.     

Precursory signature of several major earthquakes studied using 40 kHz low frequency signal

To investigate the precursory signature of earthquakes on low frequency (LF) signal propagation, six earthquakes, having magnitude greater than equal to 6.5 and depth less than equal to 30 km, are being studied. The base line level of 40 kHz signal, transmitted from JJY station, Japan, is analysed with respect to V_d statistical parameter. Results show that the V_d parameter values starts fluctuating from its ambient levels before and during the days of the earthquakes, with significant variation starting 1–3 days prior to the earthquake concerned. This present study is an approach for identifying the precursory signatures of earthquakes on LF signal propagation using a new methodology with V_d parameter.     

Spatial coherence and electromagnetic wave generation during electron beam experiments in space

A two-dimensional electromagnetic simulation model is used to investigate the production of whistler waves in connection with electron beam experiments in space. The spectrum is observed to peak near 0.7 ω_e, and the conversion efficiency of beam energy to whistler waves is about 5 × 10⁻⁵. The whistlers can be trapped in a density trough extending out from the spacecraft and experience ducted propagation.     

Ionospheric precursors of earthquakes recorded by VLF receiver at Tashkent IHY station

Tashkent International Heliophysical Year (IHY) station is a member of Atmospheric Weather Electromagnetic System for Observation, Modeling and Education (AWESOME) network being operated globally to study the ionosphere and the magnetosphere with the help of electromagnetic waves in Very Low Frequency (VLF) band. Regular monitoring of the D- and F-layers of ionosphere over Central Asia territory is being performed on the permanent basis starting year 2008. We have studied VLF amplitude anomalies related to the EQs occurred in 2008–2009 years with magnitude more than 5 on the path way from the VLF transmitters to the Tashkent station assuming that propagation of VLF ground-based transmitters signals can be perturbed by EQ preparation detectable from the ground-based measurements in the VLF bands. For analyzing narrowband data we have used the nighttime fluctuation (NF) method paying attention to the data obtained during the local nighttime (20:00 LT–04:00 LT) in Tashkent where the VLF receiver is operating. The mean nighttime amplitude (or trend) and nighttime fluctuation are found to increase significantly before the EQ occurred on the path way from the transmitters to the receiver. The obtained results have revealed an agreement with VLF amplitude anomalies observed in Tashkent VLF station during the strong EQs occurred on the path way from the transmitters to the receiver. Some results are presented to show the probing potentiality of VLF waves to predict short term EQs with high magnitude.     

Hall MHD reconnection with an initial guide field By0

An uniform out-of-plane magnetic field component B_y0 is added to the equilibrium Harris sheet with plasma β = 0.5 and L_c = 0.5d_i (where L_c is the half-width of the equilibrium current layer and d_i is the ion inertial length). Driven by the continuous boundary inflows, the magnetic reconnections with the guide field B_y0/B₀ ranging from 0 to 4.0 are investigated using a 2.5D Hall magnetohydro-dynamic (MHD) code developed from a multi-step implicit scheme. The features of the reconnection field are substantially altered in the presence of the guide field. The openness of the magnetic separatrix angle is slightly reduced and the anti-symmetric quadrupolar structure of B_y field and the symmetric distribution of plasma pressure P are replaced by an asymmetric B_y four-wing structure and an asymmetric P plot as a non-zero B_y0 is added. The decoupling of electrons and ions also occurs near the X line in the case with a finite B_y0, but the effect of initial B_y0 on the electron flow is greater than that on the ion flow. The reconnection rates at the X-line drops from 0.151 to 0.06, namely, ∂A/∂t is reduced by a factor of 2.5 as B_y0/B₀ increases from 0 to 4.0. The reduction of reconnection rate might be related to the reducing openness of reconnection layer with the increasing B_y0.     

Spectral analysis of time-integrated Konus–Wind GRBs: Implication on radiative mechanisms

We have analysed a sample of 328 time-integrated GRB prompt emission spectra taken via the Konus instrument on board the US GGS-Wind spacecraft between 2002 and 2004 using a couple of two-components models, Cut-off Power Law (CPL) + Power Law (PL) and blackbody (BB) + PL. The spectra show clear deviation from the Band function. The PL term is interpreted as the low energy tail of a nonthermal emission mechanism. The distributions of corresponding index β give values β < −2/3 consistent with synchrotron and synchrotron self-Compton mechanisms. The distribution of low energy index α associated with the CPL term shows clear discordance with synchrotron models for 31.4% of the analysed GRBs with values exceeding that for the line of death, α = −2/3. Then, a set of nonthermal radiation mechanisms producing harder slopes, i.e., α > −2/3, are presented and discussed. For the remaining majority (68.6%) of GRBs with CPL index α < −2/3, we show that optically thin synchrotron produced by a power law electron distribution of type, N(γ) ∼ γ^−p, γ₁ < γ < γ₂, for finite energy range (γ₂ ≠ ∞) is a likely emission mechanism with α ∼−(p + 1)/2 in the frequency range ν₁ ? ν ? ν₂ (where ν₂ = η²ν₁ with η = γ₂/γ₁), such that for p > 1/3, one gets α < −2/3. We also show that corresponding spectra in terms of F_ν and νF_ν functions are peaked around frequency ν₂ instead of ν₁, respectively for p < 1 and p < 3. Besides, thermal emission is examined taking a single Planck function for fitting the low energy range. It can be interpreted as an early emission from the GRB fireball photosphere with observed mean temperature, kT′ ∼ 16.8 keV. Furthermore, we have performed a statistical comparison between the CPL + PL and BB + PL models finding comparable χ²-values for an important fraction of GRBs, which makes it difficult to distinguish which model and specific radiation mechanism (possible thermal or nonthermal γ-ray emissions) are best suitable for describing the reported data. Therefore, additional information for those bursts, such as γ-ray polarization, would be highly desirable in future determinations of GRBs observational data.