Interstellar magnetic fields

For three decades, magnetic fields have been known to permeate interstellar space. Each decade focussed attention on a different problem concerning the role of magnetic fields in star formation, and developed distinct techniques for the solution of the respective problem. A historical perspective of this period is given first. Then theoretical studies of the role of magnetic fields in star formation are reviewed critically, with emphasis on the dynamical processes occuring in collapsing interstellar clouds and on the interplay between theory and observation. A synthesis in the form of a scenario, albeit incomplete, for star formation in magnetic clouds is given. Prospects for the solution, during the 1980's, for remaining fundamental problems are discussed, and the need for certain kinds of observations is emphasized.     

用数值模拟的方法研究磁暴主相期间影响环电流分布特征的要素

环电流是距离地心2～7 Re的带电粒子围绕地球西向漂移形成的.环电流的增强将引起全球磁场的降低,反映了地磁暴的强度.磁暴主相期间,对流电场驱动等离子体片中的能量粒子经历E×B漂移与俘获注入环电流,进入损失锥的粒子沉降到大气中.本文采用磁暴主相期间环电流离子分布的模型,结合上述因素研究不同离子能量下对流电场对环电流离子通量的直接影响,以及强弱对流电场下环电流能量离子投掷角的变化,并从物理上阐述造成此种通量分布特性的原因.      

The magnetic fields of Mercury,Venus and Mars

Just as clearly as Mariner 10 established that Mercury has an intrinsic magnetic field, the Pioneer Venus orbiter has established that Venus has no significant intrinsic field. This is perhaps the opposite of what might be expected. Mercury, a small planet might be expected to cool rapidly and its internal dynamo to cease, while Venus, which is almost as large as the Earth, should not have lost much heat. On the contrary the source of energy of the Mercury dynamo appears to be extant whereas that of Venus appears to be extinct.The existence of a Martian magnetic field is controversial. No unambiguous signature of a Martian magnetic field has been reported. If the field on the nightside of Mars is of planetary rather than solar origin the Russian Mars spacecraft observations indicate the Martian dipole lies near the planetary equator rather than its pole.     

MGS magnetic fields and electron reflectometer investigation: Discovery of paleomagnetic fields due to crustal remanence

The MGS MAG/ER investigation provides vector measurements of the magnetic field and the ionospheric electron density near periapsis. The instrumentation consists of twin triaxial fluxgate magnetometers and a “top hat” electrostatic analyzer of electrons in the energy range of 1 eV to 20 keV. Results include extensive mapping of the detached bow shock wave in the solar wind, the nature and structure of the ionopause and magnetic pile-up boundaries. The most surprising result is the discovery of localized magnetic fields of planetary origin, presumably due to remanent crustal magnetization. Maximum fields measured while below the ionosphere exceed 300 nT. We present an initial study of one of these very localized fields and extrapolations to the Martian surface in the Acidalia planitia.     

Sailing with solar and planetary radiation pressure

Literature on solar sailing has thus far mostly considered solar radiation pressure (SRP) as the only contribution to sail force. However, considering a sail in a planetary mission scenario, a new contribution can be added. Since the planet itself emits radiation, this generates a radial planetary radiation pressure (PRP) that is also exerted on the sail. Hence, this work studies the combined effects of both SRP and PRP on a sail for two case studies, i.e. Earth and Venus. In proximity of the Earth, the effect of PRP can be significant under specific conditions. Around Venus, instead, PRP is by far the dominating contribution. These combined effects have been studied for single- and double-sided reflective coating and including eclipse. Results show potential increase in the net acceleration and a change in the optimal attitude to maximise the acceleration in a given direction. Moreover, an increasing semi-major axis manoeuvre is shown with and without PRP, to quantify the difference on a real-case scenario.     

行星大气1~3000GHz微波-亚毫米波辐射模拟

为模拟行星大气在微波elax-elax亚毫米波波段的辐射传输特性,利用逐线积分方法计算行星大气中各气体成分在1~3000GHz的吸收系数.基于HITRAN数据库中各气体分子的跃迁频率及线强等参数,有效模拟了各气体分子在此频段内的吸收特征,并与常用的微波elax-elax亚毫米波大气辐射传输模式进行对比.分析地球大气的组成及特性,利用辐射传输方程模拟临边探测方式下不同频段的大气辐射亮温.研究结果可为后续地球乃至行星大气成分探测模拟、频带选择以及大气成分廓线反演提供模型及理论依据.      

Solar magnetic fields and the dynamo theory

Unlike Earth’s dipolar magnetic fields, solar magnetic fields consist of wide ranges of length-scales and strengths, and interestingly, they evolve in a cyclic fashion with a 22-year periodicity. A magnetohydrodynamic dynamo operating in the Sun is most likely responsible for producing the solar magnetic activity cycle. While the first solar dynamo models were built half a century ago, recent views differ significantly from those models. According to widely accepted present concepts, the large-scale solar dynamo is of flux-transport type, which involves three basic processes: (i) generation of toroidal fields by shearing the pre-existing poloidal fields by differential rotation (the Ω-effect); (ii) re-generation of poloidal fields by lifting and twisting the toroidal fluxtubes (the α-effect); (iii) flux transport by meridional circulation. This class of dynamos has been successful in explaining many large-scale solar cycle features, including a particularly difficult one – the correct phase relationship between the equatorward-migrating sunspot belt and the poleward drifting large-scale, diffuse fields. The dynamo cycle period in such models is primarily governed by the meridional flow speed near the bottom of the convection zone. After briefly reviewing the historical background, we will present the successes of flux-transport dynamos, including their predictive capability. For example, we will demonstrate how the meridional circulation plays a key role in governing the Sun’s memory about its own magnetic field, and how a flux-transport dynamo-based predictive tool can explain the cause of the very slow polar reversal in the so-called “peculiar” cycle 23 compared to those in cycles 20, 21 and 22. We will close by presenting explanations for certain long-term variability using these models, such as, what may have maintained the observed cyclic variation in slow solar wind flow during Maunder minima, in the presence of near zero solar activity.     

有大气行星悬飞探测初步设想与可行性探讨

提出了一种有大气地外行星悬飞探测方式,该探测方式是利用被探测天体存在大气的环境特点,实现探测器在被测天体的"飞行"机动,克服目前已有的环绕探测、着陆探测、巡视探测和采样返回探测四类无人深空探测方式受地形、地貌约束无法实现大范围机动就位探测的不足。提出了悬飞探测器的典型任务工作模式设想,建立了悬飞探测器的六自由度动力学模型,并针对太阳系内典型的有大气行星环境(火星和土卫六)特点,给出了悬飞探测器的动力学特性并开展了仿真分析。在此基础上,首次提出了悬飞探测器的可行性约束系数,为悬飞探测器在深空探测的可行性研究提供了理论依据。     

近地轨道集群航天器电磁编队飞行非线性反馈控制方法

针对近地轨道集群航天器电磁编队飞行的动力学和控制问题, 提出了一种非线性反馈控制方法. 基于电磁力模型和地磁场模型, 分析了地磁场对近地轨道电磁编队的影响; 建立了集群航天器电磁编队高精度相对轨道动力学模型; 基于Lyapunov稳定性理论设计了一种非线性反馈控制律, 利用该方法对两星电磁编队维持控制进行了仿真验证. 仿真结果表明, 地磁场引起的电磁干扰力可以忽略, 但是电磁干扰力矩的影响必须考虑; 近地轨道集群航天器电磁编队是可控的, 所设计的控制方法是可行的.      

Laboratory investigations of the survivability of bacteria in hypervelocity impacts.

It is now well established that material naturally moves around the Solar System, even from planetary surface to planetary surface. Accordingly, the idea that life is distributed throughout space and did not necessarily originate on the Earth but migrated here from elsewhere (Panspermia) is increasingly deemed worthy of consideration. If life arrived at the Earth from space, its relative speed will typically be of order many km s-1, and the resulting collision with the Earth and its atmosphere will be in the hypervelocity regime. A mechanism for the bacteria to survive such an impact is required. Therefore a programme of hypervelocity impacts in the laboratory at (4.5 +/- 0.6) km s-1 was carried out using bacteria (Rhodococcus) laden projectiles. After impacts on a variety of target materials (rock, glass and metal) attempts were made to culture Rhodococcus from the surface of the resulting craters and also from the target material ejected during crater formation. Control shots with clean projectiles yielded no evidence for Rhodococcus growth from any crater surface or ejecta. When projectiles doped with Rhodococcus were used no impact crater surface yielded colonies of Rhodococcus. However, for four shots of bacteria into rock (two on chalk and two on granite) the ejecta was afterwards found to give colonies of Rhodococcus. This was not true for shots onto glass. In addition, shots into aerogel (density 96 kg m-3) were also carried out (two with clean projectiles and two with projectiles with Rhodococcus). This crudely simulated aero-capture in a planetary atmosphere. No evidence for Rhodococcus growth was found from the projectiles captured in the aerogel from any of the four shots.     

Importance of electric field measurement over low latitudes at stratospheric heights by balloons

The vertical field in the stratosphere around 35 km is predominantly of atmospheric origin whereas the horizontal electric field at these altitude is mainly of ionospheric origin. The electrical coupling between ionosphere and atmosphere is not known for low latitudes. Balloon borne electric field measurements are planned from Hyderabad, India (geographic latitude 17.5° N) to understand this coupling. Measurement of stratospheric electric fields are also important from the point of view of the sun-weather relationship. It si suggested that the balloon borne electric field measurements are important to understand the electrodynamics of the middle atmosphere.     

Synergies of Earth science and space exploration

A more flexible policy basis from which to manage our planet in the 21st century is desirable. As one contribution, we note that synergies between space exploration and the preservation of our habitat exist, and that protecting life on Earth requires similar concepts and information as investigations of life beyond the Earth, including the expansion of human presence in space. Instrumentation and data handling to observe both planetary objects and planet Earth are based on similar techniques. Moreover, while planetary surface operations are conducted under different conditions, the technology to probe the surface and subsurface of both the Earth and other planets requires similar tools, such as radar, seismometers, and drilling devices. The Earth observation community has developed some exemplary tools and has featured successful international cooperation in data handling and sharing that could be equally well applied to robotic planetary exploration. Here we propose a network involving both communities that will enable the interchange of scientific insights and the development of new policies and management strategies. Those tools can provide a vital forum through which the management of this planet can be assisted, and in which a new bridge between the Earth-centric and space-centric communities can be built.     

Sun–Earth relation: Historical development and present status – A brief review

The Sun and Earth are intimately related. A few decades ago, it was assumed that the relationship was only through the incidence of solar visible and infrared radiation on the surface of the Earth. However, it was soon realized that many powerful solar radiations reached the top of the terrestrial atmosphere but got absorbed in the upper part of the atmosphere, causing significant changes in the terrestrial environment. In this review, various processes are described, first on the Sun where various solar structures evolve, later in the interplanetary space due to escaping solar wind, and further in the interaction of the solar wind with the Earth’s magnetic field, containing it in the magnetosphere and entering through the neutral point in the magnetotail. Resulting phenomena like auroras, ring current, etc., are described. Present status of solar and interplanetary environments and their terrestrial effects is briefly outlined.     

Network science landers for Mars

The NetLander Mission will deploy four landers to the Martian surface. Each lander includes a network science payload with instrumentation for studying the interior of Mars, the atmosphere and the subsurface, as well as the ionospheric structure and geodesy. The NetLander Mission is the first planetary mission focusing on investigations of the interior of the planet and the large-scale circulation of the atmosphere. A broad consortium of national space agencies and research laboratories will implement the mission. It is managed by CNES (the French Space Agency), with other major players being FMI (the Finnish Meteorological Institute), DLR (the German Space Agency), and other research institutes. According to current plans, the NetLander Mission will be launched in 2005 by means of an Ariane V launch, together with the Mars Sample Return mission. The landers will be separated from the spacecraft and targeted to their locations on the Martian surface several days prior to the spacecraft's arrival at Mars. The landing system employs parachutes and airbags. During the baseline mission of one Martian year, the network payloads will conduct simultaneous seismological, atmospheric, magnetic, ionospheric, geodetic measurements and ground penetrating radar mapping supported by panoramic images. The payloads also include entry phase measurements of the atmospheric vertical structure. The scientific data could be combined with simultaneous observations of the atmosphere and surface of Mars by the Mars Express Orbiter that is expected to be functional during the NetLander Mission's operational phase. Communication between the landers and the Earth would take place via a data relay onboard the Mars Express Orbiter.     

Topological and statistical properties of nonlinear force-free fields

We use our semi-analytic solution of the nonlinear force-free field equation to construct three-dimensional magnetic fields that are applicable to the solar corona and study their statistical properties for estimating the degree of braiding exhibited by these fields. We present a new formula for calculating the winding number and compare it with the formula for the crossing number. The comparison is shown for a toy model of two helices and for realistic cases of nonlinear force-free fields; conceptually the formulae are nearly the same but the resulting distributions calculated for a given topology can be different. We also calculate linkages, which are useful topological quantities that are independent measures of the contribution of magnetic braiding to the total free energy and relative helicity of the field. Finally, we derive new analytical bounds for the free energy and relative helicity for the field configurations in terms of the linking number. These bounds will be of utility in estimating the braided energy available for nano-flares or for eruptions.     

E region electric fields at the dip equator and anomalous conductivity effects

Zonal and vertical electric fields were estimated at E region heights in the Brazilian sector. Zonal electric fields are obtained from the vertical electric fields based on their relation through the Hall-to-Pedersen ionospheric conductivities ratio. The technique for obtaining the vertical electric field is based on its proportionality to the Doppler velocities of type 2 irregularities as detected by coherent radars. The 50 MHz backscatter coherent (RESCO) radar was used to estimate the Doppler velocities of the type 2 irregularities embedded in the equatorial electrojet. A magnetic field-line integrated conductivity model was developed to provide the conductivities. It considers a multi-species ionosphere and a multi-species neutral atmosphere, and uses the IRI 2007, the MISIS 2000 and the IGRF 10 models as input parameters for ionosphere, neutral atmosphere and Earth’s magnetic field, respectively. The ion-neutral collision frequencies of all the species are combined through the momentum transfer collision frequency equation, and different percentages of electron-neutral collisions were artificially included for studying the implication of such increase in the zonal electric field, which resulted ranging from 0.13 to 0.49 mV/m between the 8 and 18 h (LT), under quiet magnetic conditions.     

Neutral atmosphere and crustal magnetization as factors determining differences in plasma convection and magnetic fields distribution in the ionospheres of Mars and Venus

The pattern of the magnetic field/plasma convection can be, to some extent, recovered from the magnetic field measurements by employing either theoretical or numerical models. We use the MAG/ER day-time measurements of the magnetic field at the altitudes from 90 to 180 km during the elliptical orbits of MGS. Analysis of the altitude variation of the characteristics of the large-scale magnetic fields, which were measured some distance away from strong crustal magnetic anomalies, is summarized. The low density of the Martian atmosphere together with the crustal magnetization result in critical differences in plasma convection which are followed by remarkable differences of the magnetic field features within the ionosphere of Venus and Mars (even in its northern hemisphere where the crustal magnetization is, on the average, low) and distribution of currents.     

Swarm – An Earth Observation Mission investigating Geospace

The Swarm mission was selected as the 5th mission in ESA’s Earth Explorer Programme in 2004. This mission aims at measuring the Earth’s magnetic field with unprecedented accuracy. This will be done by a constellation of three satellites, where two will fly at lower altitude, measuring the gradient of the magnetic field, and one satellite will fly at higher altitude. The measured magnetic field is the sum of many contributions including both magnetic fields and currents in the Earth’s interior and electrical currents in Geospace. In order to separate all these sources electric field and plasma measurements will also be made to complement the primary magnetic field measurements. Together these will allow the deduction of information on a series of solid earth processes responsible for the creation of the fields measured. The completeness of the measurements on each satellite and the constellation aspect, however, implies simultaneous observations of a unique set of important electrodynamical parameters crucial for the understanding of the physical processes in Geospace, which are an important part of the objectives of the International Living With a Star Programme, ILWS. In this paper an overview of the Swarm science objectives, the mission concept, the scientific instrumentation, and the expected contribution to the ILWS programme will be summarized.     

Influence of different natural physical fields on biological processes.

In space flight conditions gravity, magnetic, and electrical fields as well as ionizing radiation change both in size, and in direction. This causes disruptions in the conduct of some physical processes, chemical reactions, and metabolism in living organisms. In these conditions organisms of different phylogenetic level change their metabolic reactions undergo changes such as disturbances in ionic exchange both in lower and in higher plants, changes in cell morphology for example, gyrosity in Proteus (Proteus vulgaris), spatial disorientation in coleoptiles of Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and Pea (Pisum sativum) seedlings, mutational changes in Crepis (Crepis capillaris) and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seedling. It has been found that even in the absence of gravity, gravireceptors determining spatial orientation in higher plants under terrestrial conditions are formed in the course of ontogenesis. Under weightlessness this system does not function and spatial orientation is determined by the light flux gradient or by the action of some other factors. Peculiarities of the formation of the gravireceptor apparatus in higher plants, amphibians, fish, and birds under space flight conditions have been observed. It has been found that the system in which responses were accompanied by phase transition have proven to be gravity-sensitive under microgravity conditions. Such reactions include also the process of photosynthesis which is the main energy production process in plants. In view of the established effects of microgravity and different natural physical fields on biological processes, it has been shown that these processes change due to the absence of initially rigid determination. The established biological effect of physical fields influence on biological processes in organisms is the starting point for elucidating the role of gravity and evolutionary development of various organisms on Earth.     

The SOUP and CIP instruments

Solar physics is about to undergo a revolution in the amount and quality of undistorted high resolution filter-grams and spectra available for study. Spacelab 2 will obtain UV and visible data comparable to the best obtained on Earth, but free of both blurring and image distortion. The goals of the Spacelab 2 flight are to collect data on the evolution of the solar magnetic and velocity fields on time scales of seconds to days. In the first part of the next decade, the 1.3 meter aperture Solar Optical Telescope will have sufficient spatial resolution to collect data on the scale of the solar density scale height [～ 100 km] which should be sufficient to study the basic physical processes in the solar atmosphere.