Understanding the Simulation

Real-time Magnetosphere Simulation from 12-26-2004. Input parameters are taken from the real-time solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field data observed routinely by the ACE satellite. Simulation results are visualized in real time. Note all of the plots here are based on the preliminary data (ACE Real Time Data), which have not been processed yet. ©NICT

This was posted to help you better understand the parameters behind the simulation.

Magnetic Field Data (Top Left):
When the lines look like a ball or are crossed, the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) is tilted North (positive). This is very normal and means the Magnetosphere is protecting you.

When the lines are flowing, the IMF is tilted South (negative). The Magnetosphere is 'open' allowing particles to connect with Earth's magnetic field and sometimes pass through.

ACE Input Data (Bottom Right):
V(km/s): Velocity of the Solar Wind measured in kilometers per second.

Dens.(p/cc): The mass density, or density, of particles per cubic centimeter (cm3) in the Solar Wind.

Bz(nT) and By(nT):
These are a little more complicated... Think of a X-Y Graph. BZ(nT) is North/ South (up/ down) and By(nT) is West/ East. They are used to calculate the direction of the IMF.

Now think of the Sun and Earth as two Bar Magnets:
North + North, or South + South repel.

Noth + South, or South + North attract. (connect)

Bz(nT): North (green) is the same direction as Earth's Magnetic Field. Under these condtions, the the IMF hits Earth's Magnetosphere, and is repelled back into space.

Bz(nT) South (red) is in the opposite direction of Earth's Magnetic Field. Under these condtions, the IMF hits Earth's Magnetosphere and the two fields connect in a process called Magnetic Reconnection.

The more Bz(nT) is in the green, the more northward the IMF direction. (more repulsion)

The more Bz(nT) is in the red, the more southward the IMF direction. (more connection)

Bz(nT) and By(nT) are also used for Plasma Boundaries and Ion Pickup, but I'll let you explore those on your own...

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• 12 26 2004
• Magnetosphere
• Magnetic Field
• Magnetic Field Pressure
• Magnetic Field Data
• Ionospheric Pressure
• Geomagnetic Reversal
• Pole Shift
• 2012

[hadibadashi]

good stuff as always thanks for taking the time to explain what we are looking at

[TheFreedom2choose]

Great video!