The electron density around the earth, a high level product of the CLUSTER/WHISPER relaxation sounder

  • J. G. Trotignon
  • , P. M.E. Décréau
  • , J. L. Rauch
  • , X. Suraud
  • , S. Grimald
  • , F. El-Lemdani Mazouz
  • , X. Vallières
  • , P. Canu
  • , F. Darrouzet
  • , A. Masson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The WHISPER (Waves of High frequency and Sounder for Probing of Electron density by Relaxation) aboard the four CLUSTER satellites performs high frequency electric field measurements in the Earth's space environment, from the solar wind down to the plasmasphere. In active mode, the WHISPER behaves like a topside sounder. It provides, via the identification of resonances that are triggered at characteristic frequencies of the encountered ionised medium, reliable and accurate determination of the total density of thermal electrons. In passive mode, when the transmitter is switched off, it becomes a classical wave receiver. The 2 to 80 kHz frequency range of the electric component of natural waves is therefore monitored. The objective of the presentation is to show that the thermal electron density may be derived from the active and/or passive measurements of the WHISPER all along the CLUSTER trajectory, and almost everywhere, with a good accuracy compared with other estimates.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of theCluster and Double Star Symposium -5th Anniversary of Cluster in Space
Pages483-488
Number of pages6
Edition598
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2006
Externally publishedYes
Event5th Anniversary of Cluster in Space - Cluster and Double Star Symposium - Noordwijk, Netherlands
Duration: 19 Sept 200523 Sept 2005

Publication series

NameEuropean Space Agency, (Special Publication) ESA SP
Number598
ISSN (Print)0379-6566

Conference

Conference5th Anniversary of Cluster in Space - Cluster and Double Star Symposium
Country/TerritoryNetherlands
CityNoordwijk
Period19/09/0523/09/05

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