Magnetic reconnection at Jupiter as observed from Hawaiian high-altitude facilities at solar maximum

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24403009
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Section: 海外学術
• Research Field: Space and upper atmospheric physics
• Research Institution: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
• Principal Investigator: SATOH Takehiko 独立行政法人宇宙航空研究開発機構, 宇宙科学研究所, 教授 (10297632)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): FUJIMOTO Masaki 独立行政法人宇宙航空研究開発機構, 宇宙科学研究所, 教授 (30242811) ; KAGITANI Masato 東北大学, 理学研究科, 助教 (30436076)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): MISAWA Hiroaki 東北大学, 理学研究科, 教授 (90219618) ; TOKUMARU Munetoshi 名古屋大学, 太陽地球環境研究所, 教授 (60273207)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 磁気圏 / リコネクション / 太陽風 / IMF / 木星 / 赤外線 / ハワイ / 高高度施設

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In conjunction with the solar maximum, attempts were made to monitor Jupiter's infrared auroral activities from high-altitude observing facilities in Hawaii. Jupiter's rotational axis was most tilted from the normal to ecliptic plane at this time period. In such conditions, the IMF (mostly in the ecliptic plane) can be felt by the planet as northwar or southward magnetic fields, resulting in possible enhancement of magnetic reconnections. In the first half of the period, we tried to use a telescope atop Mauna Kea (Hawaii Island), and later half a telescope atop Haleakara (Maui Island). Due to troubles with the telescopes, Jupiter's aurora was not observed. Instead, we successfully obtained Jupiter and its satellite Io data (for monitoring volcanism on Io) in shorter infrared wavelengths. The emissions from Venus' nightside disk were also observed. These will reinforce future collaborations between space missions and high-altitude observing facilities.

Free Research Field

惑星大気科学