Space Weather: Development of an Empirical Model of Inner Magnetospheric Density

该项目将启动磁层内等离子体密度分布模型的开发。它将利用图像卫星上的RPI(无线电等离子成像仪)仪器的数据。已经开发了一种数学反演算法，允许在卫星上测量的局部等离子体密度与RPI数据相结合，以确定卫星所在磁力线上的整个等离子体密度。结合来自相似磁场条件的数据，将有可能推导出作为纬度、径向距离和当地时间的函数的密度模型。由此产生的模型将向空间气象界提供。该项目将资助一名来自代表不足的少数族裔的研究生。

This project will initiate the development of a model of the plasma density distribution within the magnetosphere. It will utilize data from the RPI (Radio Plasma Imager) instrument on the IMAGE satellite. A mathematical inversion algorithm has been developed that allows the local plasma density measured at the satellite to be combined with the RPI data to determine the plasma density all long the magnetic field line on which the satellite is situated. Combining data from similar magnetic conditions will make it possible to derive a density model as a function of latitude, radial distance and local time. The resulting models will be made available to the space weather community. The project will support a graduate student from an under-represented minority.