Six Magnetic Field Models Compared:
Mapping Geosynchronous Orbit
to the Auroral Zone

Geoffrey D. Reeves
Loretta A. Weiss, Michelle F. Thomsen and David J. McComas
Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos NM

In the above plots we examine the dependence of the foot point on the magnetopause stand-off distance.
The magnetopause stand-off distance has the largest effect in the noon local time sector as expected.
The model is designed so there is no dependence of the foot point on stand-off distance at local midnight.
The "nominal" magnetopause stand-off distance is 10 Re.
Stand-off distances from 6 to 12 Re were investigated.
Stand-off distances less than 10 Re compress the day-side field and move the foot points poleward. Stand-off distances greater than 10 Re stretch the day-side field and move the foot points equatorward.
A stand-off distance of 6 Re moves the foot point poleward of the IGRF foot point and correctly shows that part of geosynchronous orbit lies outside the magnetopause.

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Last updated: Tuesday June, 20 1995