Explorer 12 observations of the magnetopause current layer

摘要: The variation in magnetic field magnitude at magnetopause is examined with the objective of separating boundaries rotational-discontinuity type from those tangential-discontinuity type. should remain constant throughout current layer former case but may vary considerably latter. Also, component normal to be nonzero not It estimated that approximately one-third 91 cases have been along a theoretical vector compared for two groups. result indicates component, on average, less than 5 γ group also. For tangential discontinuities, vector, calculated data under assumption vanishing normal-field corresponding obtained Mead-Beard magnetosphere model. Substantial individual, as well systematic, deviations are found. latter related angle between solar-wind and earth's dipole axis. Finally, sense rotation magnetic-field examined. rotational found opposite above below solar-magnetospheric equatorial plane. A tentative explanation this observation, terms electrical structure layer, proposed.