On the Penetration of Interplanetary Plasma into the Magnetosphere

Abstract

Theoretical and experimental evidence is presented to indicate that the usual magnetospheric models may need essential modification. Theoretically, it is concluded that the low-density magnetospheric plasma, in contrast to an ideal magnetofluid, may support strong electric fields even along the magnetic field lines. This can profoundly influence the penetration of interplanetary plasma. Laboratory experiments show that a plasma can penetrate much closer to a terrella than what would correspond to the magnetosphere boundary in closed magnetosphere models.