Output details

Electron density estimations derived from spacecraft potential measurements on Cluster in tenuous plasma regions

Cluster scientists find it valuable for many studies to determine the plasma electron density at 0.2s cadence using spacecraft electrostatic potential data, much faster than the 4 s cadence available from the UCL-MSSL PEACE electron spectrometers. This powerful technique must be calibrated over time and geospace region using data from PEACE and other instruments, because it is very sensitive to the plasma environment and changing solar activity. I am the Principal Investigator for PEACE and my contribution to this complex study was to produce high quality, time dependent PEACE calibrations and hence accurate PEACE electron data critical to the study.