Articles | Volume 8, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-285-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-285-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
05 Dec 2019
Research article |
| 05 Dec 2019
| 05 Dec 2019
How many solar wind data are sufficient for accurate fluxgate magnetometer offset determinations?
Ferdinand Plaschke
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Space Research Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Graz, Austria
Related authors
Niklas Grimmich, Adrian Pöppelwerth, Martin Owain Archer, David Gary Sibeck, Ferdinand Plaschke, Wenli Mo, Vicki Toy-Edens, Drew Lawson Turner, Hyangpyo Kim, and Rumi Nakamura
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2956, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2956, 2024
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The boundary of Earth's magnetic field, the magnetopause, deflects and reacts to the solar wind - the energetic particles emanating from the Sun. We find that certain types of solar wind favour the occurrence of deviations between the magnetopause locations observed by spacecraft and those predicted by models. In addition, the turbulent region in front of the magnetopause, the foreshock, has a large influence on the location of the magnetopause and thus on the accuracy of the model predictions.
Niklas Grimmich, Ferdinand Plaschke, Benjamin Grison, Fabio Prencipe, Christophe Philippe Escoubet, Martin Owain Archer, Ovidiu Dragos Constantinescu, Stein Haaland, Rumi Nakamura, David Gary Sibeck, Fabien Darrouzet, Mykhaylo Hayosh, and Romain Maggiolo
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In our study, we looked at the boundary between the Earth's magnetic field and the interplanetary magnetic field emitted by the Sun, called the magnetopause. While other studies focus on the magnetopause motion near Earth's Equator, we have studied it in polar regions. The motion of the magnetopause is faster towards the Earth than towards the Sun. We also found that the occurrence of unusual magnetopause locations is due to similar solar influences in the equatorial and polar regions.
Adrian Pöppelwerth, Georg Glebe, Johannes Z. D. Mieth, Florian Koller, Tomas Karlsson, Zoltán Vörös, and Ferdinand Plaschke
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In the magnetosheath, a near-Earth region of space, we observe increases in plasma velocity and density, so-called jets. As they propagate towards Earth, jets interact with the ambient plasma. We study this interaction with three spacecraft simultaneously to infer their sizes. While previous studies have investigated their size almost exclusively statistically, we demonstrate a new method of determining the sizes of individual jets.
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The solar wind interacts with the planets in the solar system and creates a supersonic shock in front of them. The upstream region of this shock contains many complicated phenomena. One such phenomenon is small-scale structures of strong magnetic fields (SLAMS). These SLAMS have been observed at Earth and are important in determining the properties of space around the planet. Until now, SLAMS have not been observed at Mercury, but we show for the first time that SLAMS also exist there.
Leonard Schulz, Karl-Heinz Glassmeier, Ferdinand Plaschke, Simon Toepfer, and Uwe Motschmann
Ann. Geophys., 41, 449–463, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-41-449-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-41-449-2023, 2023
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The upper detection limit in reciprocal space, the spatial Nyquist limit, is derived for arbitrary spatial dimensions for the wave telescope analysis technique. This is important as future space plasma missions will incorporate larger numbers of spacecraft (>4). Our findings are a key element in planning the spatial distribution of future multi-point spacecraft missions. The wave telescope is a multi-dimensional power spectrum estimator; hence, this can be applied to other fields of research.
Martin Volwerk, Beatriz Sánchez-Cano, Daniel Heyner, Sae Aizawa, Nicolas André, Ali Varsani, Johannes Mieth, Stefano Orsini, Wolfgang Baumjohann, David Fischer, Yoshifumi Futaana, Richard Harrison, Harald Jeszenszky, Iwai Kazumasa, Gunter Laky, Herbert Lichtenegger, Anna Milillo, Yoshizumi Miyoshi, Rumi Nakamura, Ferdinand Plaschke, Ingo Richter, Sebastián Rojas Mata, Yoshifumi Saito, Daniel Schmid, Daikou Shiota, and Cyril Simon Wedlund
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On 15 October 2020, BepiColombo used Venus as a gravity assist to change its orbit to reach Mercury in late 2021. During this passage of Venus, the spacecraft entered into Venus's magnetotail at a distance of 70 Venus radii from the planet. We have studied the magnetic field and plasma data and find that Venus's magnetotail is highly active. This is caused by strong activity in the solar wind, where just before the flyby a coronal mass ejection interacted with the magnetophere of Venus.
Daniel Schmid, Yasuhito Narita, Ferdinand Plaschke, Martin Volwerk, Rumi Nakamura, and Wolfgang Baumjohann
Ann. Geophys., 39, 563–570, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-39-563-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-39-563-2021, 2021
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In this work we present the first analytical magnetosheath plasma flow model for the space environment around Mercury. The proposed model is relatively simple to implement and provides the possibility to trace the flow lines inside the Hermean magnetosheath. It can help to determine the the local plasma conditions of a spacecraft in the magnetosheath exclusively on the basis of the upstream solar wind parameters.
Martin Volwerk, David Mautner, Cyril Simon Wedlund, Charlotte Goetz, Ferdinand Plaschke, Tomas Karlsson, Daniel Schmid, Diana Rojas-Castillo, Owen W. Roberts, and Ali Varsani
Ann. Geophys., 39, 239–253, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-39-239-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-39-239-2021, 2021
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The magnetic field in the solar wind is not constant but varies in direction and strength. One of these variations shows a strong local reduction of the magnetic field strength and is called a magnetic hole. These holes are usually an indication that there is, or has been, a temperature difference in the plasma of the solar wind, with the temperature along the magnetic field lower than perpendicular. The MMS spacecraft data have been used to study the characteristics of these holes near Earth.
Yasuhito Narita, Ferdinand Plaschke, Werner Magnes, David Fischer, and Daniel Schmid
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 10, 13–24, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-13-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-13-2021, 2021
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The systematic error of calibrated fluxgate magnetometer data is studied for a spinning spacecraft. The major error comes from the offset uncertainty when the ambient magnetic field is low, while the error represents the combination of non-orthogonality, misalignment to spacecraft reference direction, and gain when the ambient field is high. The results are useful in developing future high-precision magnetometers and an error estimate in scientific studies using magnetometer data.
Ovidiu Dragoş Constantinescu, Hans-Ulrich Auster, Magda Delva, Olaf Hillenmaier, Werner Magnes, and Ferdinand Plaschke
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 9, 451–469, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-451-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-451-2020, 2020
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We propose a gradiometer-based technique for cleaning multi-sensor magnetic field data acquired on board spacecraft. The technique takes advantage on the fact that the maximum-variance direction of many AC disturbances on board spacecraft does not change over time. We apply the proposed technique to the SOSMAG instrument on board GeoKompsat-2A. We analyse the performance and limitations of the technique and discuss in detail how various disturbances are removed.
Daniel Schmid, Ferdinand Plaschke, Yasuhito Narita, Daniel Heyner, Johannes Z. D. Mieth, Brian J. Anderson, Martin Volwerk, Ayako Matsuoka, and Wolfgang Baumjohann
Ann. Geophys., 38, 823–832, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-823-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-823-2020, 2020
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Recently, the two-spacecraft mission BepiColombo was launched to explore Mercury. To measure the magnetic field precisely, in-flight calibration of the magnetometer offset is needed. Usually, the offset is evaluated from magnetic field observations in the solar wind. Since one of the spacecraft will remain within Mercury's magnetic environment, we examine an alternative calibration method. We show that this method is applicable and may be a valuable tool to determine the offset accurately.
Ferdinand Plaschke, Maria Jernej, Heli Hietala, and Laura Vuorinen
Ann. Geophys., 38, 287–296, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-287-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-287-2020, 2020
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Jets of solar-wind plasma commonly hit the Earth's magnetosphere. Using data from the four Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft, we show statistically that within jets the magnetic field is more aligned with the plasma flow direction than outside of these jets. Our study confirms prior simulation results, but it also shows that the average effect is moderate. The jets' magnetic field is important with respect to their impact on space weather.
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The magnetic field that is carried by the solar wind slowly decreases in strength as it moves further from the Sun. However, there are sometimes localized decreases in the magnetic field strength, called magnetic holes. These are small structures where the magnetic field strength decreases to less than 50 % of the surroundings and the plasma density increases. This paper presents a statistical study of the behaviour of these holes between Mercury and Venus using MESSENGER data.
Laura Vuorinen, Heli Hietala, and Ferdinand Plaschke
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Before the solar wind encounters the Earth's magnetic field, it is first slowed down and deflected by the Earth's bow shock. We find that downstream of the bow shock regions where the shock normal and the solar wind magnetic field are almost parallel and the shock is more rippled, plasma jets with high earthward velocities are observed significantly more often than elsewhere downstream of the shock. Our results help us forecast the occurrence of these jets and their effects on Earth.
Ferdinand Plaschke, Hans-Ulrich Auster, David Fischer, Karl-Heinz Fornaçon, Werner Magnes, Ingo Richter, Dragos Constantinescu, and Yasuhito Narita
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 8, 63–76, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-63-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-63-2019, 2019
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Raw output of spacecraft magnetometers has to be converted into meaningful units and coordinate systems before it is usable for scientific applications. This conversion is defined by 12 calibration parameters, 8 of which are more easily determined in flight if the spacecraft is spinning. We present theory and advanced algorithms to determine these eight parameters. They take into account the physical magnetometer and spacecraft behavior, making them superior to previously published algorithms.
Minna Palmroth, Heli Hietala, Ferdinand Plaschke, Martin Archer, Tomas Karlsson, Xóchitl Blanco-Cano, David Sibeck, Primož Kajdič, Urs Ganse, Yann Pfau-Kempf, Markus Battarbee, and Lucile Turc
Ann. Geophys., 36, 1171–1182, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-1171-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-1171-2018, 2018
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Magnetosheath jets are high-velocity plasma structures that are commonly observed within the Earth's magnetosheath. Previously, they have mainly been investigated with spacecraft observations, which do not allow us to infer their spatial sizes, temporal evolution, or origin. This paper shows for the first time their dimensions, evolution, and origins within a simulation whose dimensions are directly comparable to the Earth's magnetosphere. The results are compared to previous observations.
Ferdinand Plaschke and Heli Hietala
Ann. Geophys., 36, 695–703, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-695-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-695-2018, 2018
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Fast jets of solar wind particles drive through a slower environment in the magnetosheath, located sunward of the region dominated by the Earth’s magnetic field. THEMIS multi-spacecraft observations show that jets push ambient particles out of their way. These particles flow around the faster jets into the jets’ wake. Thereby, jets stir the magnetosheath, changing the properties of this key region whose particles and magnetic fields can directly interact with the Earth’s magnetic field.
Tomas Karlsson, Ferdinand Plaschke, Heli Hietala, Martin Archer, Xóchitl Blanco-Cano, Primož Kajdič, Per-Arne Lindqvist, Göran Marklund, and Daniel J. Gershman
Ann. Geophys., 36, 655–677, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-655-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-655-2018, 2018
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We have studied fast plasma jets outside of Earth’s magnetic environment. Such jets are small-scale structures with a limited lifetime, which may be important in determining the properties of the near-Earth space environment, due to their concentrated kinetic energy. We have used data from the NASA Magnetospheric MultiScale (MMS) satellites to study their properties in detail, to understand how these jets are formed. We have found evidence that there are at least two different types of jets.
Sudong Xiao, Tielong Zhang, Guoqiang Wang, Martin Volwerk, Yasong Ge, Daniel Schmid, Rumi Nakamura, Wolfgang Baumjohann, and Ferdinand Plaschke
Ann. Geophys., 35, 1015–1022, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-1015-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-1015-2017, 2017
Dennis Frühauff, Ferdinand Plaschke, and Karl-Heinz Glassmeier
Ann. Geophys., 35, 117–121, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-117-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-117-2017, 2017
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Vector magnetic field instruments mounted on spacecraft require precise in-flight calibration of the offsets of all three axes, i.e., the output in vanishing ambient field. While calibration of the spin plane offsets is trivial, we apply a new technique for determining the spin axis offset, not relying on solar wind data but on magnetosheath encounters. This technique is successfully applied to the satellites of the THEMIS mission to update the calibration parameters of the complete mission.
Martin Volwerk, Daniel Schmid, Bruce T. Tsurutani, Magda Delva, Ferdinand Plaschke, Yasuhito Narita, Tielong Zhang, and Karl-Heinz Glassmeier
Ann. Geophys., 34, 1099–1108, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-34-1099-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-34-1099-2016, 2016
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The behaviour of mirror mode waves in Venus's magnetosheath is investigated for solar minimum and maximum conditions. It is shown that the total observational rate of these waves does not change much; however, the distribution over the magnetosheath is significantly different, as well as the growth and decay of the waves during these different solar activity conditions.
David Fischer, Werner Magnes, Christian Hagen, Ivan Dors, Mark W. Chutter, Jerry Needell, Roy B. Torbert, Olivier Le Contel, Robert J. Strangeway, Gernot Kubin, Aris Valavanoglou, Ferdinand Plaschke, Rumi Nakamura, Laurent Mirioni, Christopher T. Russell, Hannes K. Leinweber, Kenneth R. Bromund, Guan Le, Lawrence Kepko, Brian J. Anderson, James A. Slavin, and Wolfgang Baumjohann
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 5, 521–530, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-5-521-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-5-521-2016, 2016
Short summary
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This paper describes frequency and timing calibration, modeling and data processing and calibration for MMS magnetometers, resulting in a merged search choil and fluxgate data product.
Ferdinand Plaschke and Yasuhito Narita
Ann. Geophys., 34, 759–766, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-34-759-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-34-759-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
Spacecraft-mounted magnetic field instruments (magnetometers) need to be routinely calibrated. This involves determining the magnetometer outputs in vanishing ambient magnetic fields, the so-called offsets. We introduce and test a new method to determine these offsets with high accuracy, the mirror mode method, which is complementary to existing methods. The mirror mode method should be highly beneficial to current and future magnetic field observations near Earth, other planets, and comets.
D. Schmid, M. Volwerk, F. Plaschke, Z. Vörös, T. L. Zhang, W. Baumjohann, and Y. Narita
Ann. Geophys., 32, 651–657, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-32-651-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-32-651-2014, 2014
R. Nakamura, F. Plaschke, R. Teubenbacher, L. Giner, W. Baumjohann, W. Magnes, M. Steller, R. B. Torbert, H. Vaith, M. Chutter, K.-H. Fornaçon, K.-H. Glassmeier, and C. Carr
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 3, 1–11, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-3-1-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-3-1-2014, 2014
F. Plaschke, H. Hietala, and V. Angelopoulos
Ann. Geophys., 31, 1877–1889, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-1877-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-1877-2013, 2013
C. Nabert, K.-H. Glassmeier, and F. Plaschke
Ann. Geophys., 31, 419–437, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-419-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-419-2013, 2013
Niklas Grimmich, Adrian Pöppelwerth, Martin Owain Archer, David Gary Sibeck, Ferdinand Plaschke, Wenli Mo, Vicki Toy-Edens, Drew Lawson Turner, Hyangpyo Kim, and Rumi Nakamura
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2956, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2956, 2024
Short summary
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The boundary of Earth's magnetic field, the magnetopause, deflects and reacts to the solar wind - the energetic particles emanating from the Sun. We find that certain types of solar wind favour the occurrence of deviations between the magnetopause locations observed by spacecraft and those predicted by models. In addition, the turbulent region in front of the magnetopause, the foreshock, has a large influence on the location of the magnetopause and thus on the accuracy of the model predictions.
Niklas Grimmich, Ferdinand Plaschke, Benjamin Grison, Fabio Prencipe, Christophe Philippe Escoubet, Martin Owain Archer, Ovidiu Dragos Constantinescu, Stein Haaland, Rumi Nakamura, David Gary Sibeck, Fabien Darrouzet, Mykhaylo Hayosh, and Romain Maggiolo
Ann. Geophys., 42, 371–394, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-42-371-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-42-371-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In our study, we looked at the boundary between the Earth's magnetic field and the interplanetary magnetic field emitted by the Sun, called the magnetopause. While other studies focus on the magnetopause motion near Earth's Equator, we have studied it in polar regions. The motion of the magnetopause is faster towards the Earth than towards the Sun. We also found that the occurrence of unusual magnetopause locations is due to similar solar influences in the equatorial and polar regions.
Adrian Pöppelwerth, Georg Glebe, Johannes Z. D. Mieth, Florian Koller, Tomas Karlsson, Zoltán Vörös, and Ferdinand Plaschke
Ann. Geophys., 42, 271–284, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-42-271-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-42-271-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In the magnetosheath, a near-Earth region of space, we observe increases in plasma velocity and density, so-called jets. As they propagate towards Earth, jets interact with the ambient plasma. We study this interaction with three spacecraft simultaneously to infer their sizes. While previous studies have investigated their size almost exclusively statistically, we demonstrate a new method of determining the sizes of individual jets.
Tomas Karlsson, Ferdinand Plaschke, Austin N. Glass, and Jim M. Raines
Ann. Geophys., 42, 117–130, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-42-117-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-42-117-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The solar wind interacts with the planets in the solar system and creates a supersonic shock in front of them. The upstream region of this shock contains many complicated phenomena. One such phenomenon is small-scale structures of strong magnetic fields (SLAMS). These SLAMS have been observed at Earth and are important in determining the properties of space around the planet. Until now, SLAMS have not been observed at Mercury, but we show for the first time that SLAMS also exist there.
Leonard Schulz, Karl-Heinz Glassmeier, Ferdinand Plaschke, Simon Toepfer, and Uwe Motschmann
Ann. Geophys., 41, 449–463, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-41-449-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-41-449-2023, 2023
Short summary
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The upper detection limit in reciprocal space, the spatial Nyquist limit, is derived for arbitrary spatial dimensions for the wave telescope analysis technique. This is important as future space plasma missions will incorporate larger numbers of spacecraft (>4). Our findings are a key element in planning the spatial distribution of future multi-point spacecraft missions. The wave telescope is a multi-dimensional power spectrum estimator; hence, this can be applied to other fields of research.
Martin Volwerk, Beatriz Sánchez-Cano, Daniel Heyner, Sae Aizawa, Nicolas André, Ali Varsani, Johannes Mieth, Stefano Orsini, Wolfgang Baumjohann, David Fischer, Yoshifumi Futaana, Richard Harrison, Harald Jeszenszky, Iwai Kazumasa, Gunter Laky, Herbert Lichtenegger, Anna Milillo, Yoshizumi Miyoshi, Rumi Nakamura, Ferdinand Plaschke, Ingo Richter, Sebastián Rojas Mata, Yoshifumi Saito, Daniel Schmid, Daikou Shiota, and Cyril Simon Wedlund
Ann. Geophys., 39, 811–831, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-39-811-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-39-811-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
On 15 October 2020, BepiColombo used Venus as a gravity assist to change its orbit to reach Mercury in late 2021. During this passage of Venus, the spacecraft entered into Venus's magnetotail at a distance of 70 Venus radii from the planet. We have studied the magnetic field and plasma data and find that Venus's magnetotail is highly active. This is caused by strong activity in the solar wind, where just before the flyby a coronal mass ejection interacted with the magnetophere of Venus.
Daniel Schmid, Yasuhito Narita, Ferdinand Plaschke, Martin Volwerk, Rumi Nakamura, and Wolfgang Baumjohann
Ann. Geophys., 39, 563–570, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-39-563-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-39-563-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
In this work we present the first analytical magnetosheath plasma flow model for the space environment around Mercury. The proposed model is relatively simple to implement and provides the possibility to trace the flow lines inside the Hermean magnetosheath. It can help to determine the the local plasma conditions of a spacecraft in the magnetosheath exclusively on the basis of the upstream solar wind parameters.
Martin Volwerk, David Mautner, Cyril Simon Wedlund, Charlotte Goetz, Ferdinand Plaschke, Tomas Karlsson, Daniel Schmid, Diana Rojas-Castillo, Owen W. Roberts, and Ali Varsani
Ann. Geophys., 39, 239–253, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-39-239-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-39-239-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The magnetic field in the solar wind is not constant but varies in direction and strength. One of these variations shows a strong local reduction of the magnetic field strength and is called a magnetic hole. These holes are usually an indication that there is, or has been, a temperature difference in the plasma of the solar wind, with the temperature along the magnetic field lower than perpendicular. The MMS spacecraft data have been used to study the characteristics of these holes near Earth.
Yasuhito Narita, Ferdinand Plaschke, Werner Magnes, David Fischer, and Daniel Schmid
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 10, 13–24, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-13-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-13-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The systematic error of calibrated fluxgate magnetometer data is studied for a spinning spacecraft. The major error comes from the offset uncertainty when the ambient magnetic field is low, while the error represents the combination of non-orthogonality, misalignment to spacecraft reference direction, and gain when the ambient field is high. The results are useful in developing future high-precision magnetometers and an error estimate in scientific studies using magnetometer data.
Ovidiu Dragoş Constantinescu, Hans-Ulrich Auster, Magda Delva, Olaf Hillenmaier, Werner Magnes, and Ferdinand Plaschke
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 9, 451–469, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-451-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-451-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
We propose a gradiometer-based technique for cleaning multi-sensor magnetic field data acquired on board spacecraft. The technique takes advantage on the fact that the maximum-variance direction of many AC disturbances on board spacecraft does not change over time. We apply the proposed technique to the SOSMAG instrument on board GeoKompsat-2A. We analyse the performance and limitations of the technique and discuss in detail how various disturbances are removed.
Daniel Schmid, Ferdinand Plaschke, Yasuhito Narita, Daniel Heyner, Johannes Z. D. Mieth, Brian J. Anderson, Martin Volwerk, Ayako Matsuoka, and Wolfgang Baumjohann
Ann. Geophys., 38, 823–832, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-823-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-823-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Recently, the two-spacecraft mission BepiColombo was launched to explore Mercury. To measure the magnetic field precisely, in-flight calibration of the magnetometer offset is needed. Usually, the offset is evaluated from magnetic field observations in the solar wind. Since one of the spacecraft will remain within Mercury's magnetic environment, we examine an alternative calibration method. We show that this method is applicable and may be a valuable tool to determine the offset accurately.
Ferdinand Plaschke, Maria Jernej, Heli Hietala, and Laura Vuorinen
Ann. Geophys., 38, 287–296, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-287-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-287-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Jets of solar-wind plasma commonly hit the Earth's magnetosphere. Using data from the four Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft, we show statistically that within jets the magnetic field is more aligned with the plasma flow direction than outside of these jets. Our study confirms prior simulation results, but it also shows that the average effect is moderate. The jets' magnetic field is important with respect to their impact on space weather.
Martin Volwerk, Charlotte Goetz, Ferdinand Plaschke, Tomas Karlsson, Daniel Heyner, and Brian Anderson
Ann. Geophys., 38, 51–60, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-51-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-51-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
The magnetic field that is carried by the solar wind slowly decreases in strength as it moves further from the Sun. However, there are sometimes localized decreases in the magnetic field strength, called magnetic holes. These are small structures where the magnetic field strength decreases to less than 50 % of the surroundings and the plasma density increases. This paper presents a statistical study of the behaviour of these holes between Mercury and Venus using MESSENGER data.
Laura Vuorinen, Heli Hietala, and Ferdinand Plaschke
Ann. Geophys., 37, 689–697, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-37-689-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-37-689-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Before the solar wind encounters the Earth's magnetic field, it is first slowed down and deflected by the Earth's bow shock. We find that downstream of the bow shock regions where the shock normal and the solar wind magnetic field are almost parallel and the shock is more rippled, plasma jets with high earthward velocities are observed significantly more often than elsewhere downstream of the shock. Our results help us forecast the occurrence of these jets and their effects on Earth.
Ferdinand Plaschke, Hans-Ulrich Auster, David Fischer, Karl-Heinz Fornaçon, Werner Magnes, Ingo Richter, Dragos Constantinescu, and Yasuhito Narita
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 8, 63–76, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-63-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-63-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Raw output of spacecraft magnetometers has to be converted into meaningful units and coordinate systems before it is usable for scientific applications. This conversion is defined by 12 calibration parameters, 8 of which are more easily determined in flight if the spacecraft is spinning. We present theory and advanced algorithms to determine these eight parameters. They take into account the physical magnetometer and spacecraft behavior, making them superior to previously published algorithms.
Minna Palmroth, Heli Hietala, Ferdinand Plaschke, Martin Archer, Tomas Karlsson, Xóchitl Blanco-Cano, David Sibeck, Primož Kajdič, Urs Ganse, Yann Pfau-Kempf, Markus Battarbee, and Lucile Turc
Ann. Geophys., 36, 1171–1182, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-1171-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-1171-2018, 2018
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Magnetosheath jets are high-velocity plasma structures that are commonly observed within the Earth's magnetosheath. Previously, they have mainly been investigated with spacecraft observations, which do not allow us to infer their spatial sizes, temporal evolution, or origin. This paper shows for the first time their dimensions, evolution, and origins within a simulation whose dimensions are directly comparable to the Earth's magnetosphere. The results are compared to previous observations.
Ferdinand Plaschke and Heli Hietala
Ann. Geophys., 36, 695–703, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-695-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-695-2018, 2018
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Fast jets of solar wind particles drive through a slower environment in the magnetosheath, located sunward of the region dominated by the Earth’s magnetic field. THEMIS multi-spacecraft observations show that jets push ambient particles out of their way. These particles flow around the faster jets into the jets’ wake. Thereby, jets stir the magnetosheath, changing the properties of this key region whose particles and magnetic fields can directly interact with the Earth’s magnetic field.
Tomas Karlsson, Ferdinand Plaschke, Heli Hietala, Martin Archer, Xóchitl Blanco-Cano, Primož Kajdič, Per-Arne Lindqvist, Göran Marklund, and Daniel J. Gershman
Ann. Geophys., 36, 655–677, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-655-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-655-2018, 2018
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We have studied fast plasma jets outside of Earth’s magnetic environment. Such jets are small-scale structures with a limited lifetime, which may be important in determining the properties of the near-Earth space environment, due to their concentrated kinetic energy. We have used data from the NASA Magnetospheric MultiScale (MMS) satellites to study their properties in detail, to understand how these jets are formed. We have found evidence that there are at least two different types of jets.
Sudong Xiao, Tielong Zhang, Guoqiang Wang, Martin Volwerk, Yasong Ge, Daniel Schmid, Rumi Nakamura, Wolfgang Baumjohann, and Ferdinand Plaschke
Ann. Geophys., 35, 1015–1022, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-1015-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-1015-2017, 2017
Dennis Frühauff, Ferdinand Plaschke, and Karl-Heinz Glassmeier
Ann. Geophys., 35, 117–121, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-117-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-117-2017, 2017
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Vector magnetic field instruments mounted on spacecraft require precise in-flight calibration of the offsets of all three axes, i.e., the output in vanishing ambient field. While calibration of the spin plane offsets is trivial, we apply a new technique for determining the spin axis offset, not relying on solar wind data but on magnetosheath encounters. This technique is successfully applied to the satellites of the THEMIS mission to update the calibration parameters of the complete mission.
Martin Volwerk, Daniel Schmid, Bruce T. Tsurutani, Magda Delva, Ferdinand Plaschke, Yasuhito Narita, Tielong Zhang, and Karl-Heinz Glassmeier
Ann. Geophys., 34, 1099–1108, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-34-1099-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-34-1099-2016, 2016
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The behaviour of mirror mode waves in Venus's magnetosheath is investigated for solar minimum and maximum conditions. It is shown that the total observational rate of these waves does not change much; however, the distribution over the magnetosheath is significantly different, as well as the growth and decay of the waves during these different solar activity conditions.
David Fischer, Werner Magnes, Christian Hagen, Ivan Dors, Mark W. Chutter, Jerry Needell, Roy B. Torbert, Olivier Le Contel, Robert J. Strangeway, Gernot Kubin, Aris Valavanoglou, Ferdinand Plaschke, Rumi Nakamura, Laurent Mirioni, Christopher T. Russell, Hannes K. Leinweber, Kenneth R. Bromund, Guan Le, Lawrence Kepko, Brian J. Anderson, James A. Slavin, and Wolfgang Baumjohann
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 5, 521–530, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-5-521-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-5-521-2016, 2016
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This paper describes frequency and timing calibration, modeling and data processing and calibration for MMS magnetometers, resulting in a merged search choil and fluxgate data product.
Ferdinand Plaschke and Yasuhito Narita
Ann. Geophys., 34, 759–766, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-34-759-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-34-759-2016, 2016
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Spacecraft-mounted magnetic field instruments (magnetometers) need to be routinely calibrated. This involves determining the magnetometer outputs in vanishing ambient magnetic fields, the so-called offsets. We introduce and test a new method to determine these offsets with high accuracy, the mirror mode method, which is complementary to existing methods. The mirror mode method should be highly beneficial to current and future magnetic field observations near Earth, other planets, and comets.
D. Schmid, M. Volwerk, F. Plaschke, Z. Vörös, T. L. Zhang, W. Baumjohann, and Y. Narita
Ann. Geophys., 32, 651–657, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-32-651-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-32-651-2014, 2014
R. Nakamura, F. Plaschke, R. Teubenbacher, L. Giner, W. Baumjohann, W. Magnes, M. Steller, R. B. Torbert, H. Vaith, M. Chutter, K.-H. Fornaçon, K.-H. Glassmeier, and C. Carr
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 3, 1–11, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-3-1-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-3-1-2014, 2014
F. Plaschke, H. Hietala, and V. Angelopoulos
Ann. Geophys., 31, 1877–1889, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-1877-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-1877-2013, 2013
C. Nabert, K.-H. Glassmeier, and F. Plaschke
Ann. Geophys., 31, 419–437, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-419-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-419-2013, 2013
Related subject area
Magnetometers
Analysis of orientation errors in triaxial fluxgate sensors and research on their calibration methods
Macapá, a Brazilian equatorial magnetometer station: installation, data availability, and methods for temperature correction
Enabling in situ validation of mitigation algorithms for magnetic interference via a laboratory-generated dataset
First in situ measurements of the prototype Tesseract fluxgate magnetometer on the ACES-II-Low sounding rocket
Accuracy of the scalar magnetometer aboard ESA's JUICE mission
Copper permalloys for fluxgate magnetometer sensors
Automated static magnetic cleanliness screening for the TRACERS small-satellite mission
Analysis of geomagnetic observatory data and detection of geomagnetic jerks with the MOSFiT software package
Verification and calibration of a commercial anisotropic magnetoresistive magnetometer by multivariate non-linear regression
Quad-Mag board for CubeSat applications
In situ calibration of the Swarm-Echo magnetometers
Tesseract – a high-stability, low-noise fluxgate sensor designed for constellation applications
Single-event effect testing of the PNI RM3100 magnetometer for space applications
Contributors to fluxgate magnetic noise in permalloy foils including a potential new copper alloy regime
A towed magnetic gradiometer array for rapid, detailed imaging of utility, geological, and archaeological targets
The fluxgate magnetometer of the Low Orbit Pearl Satellites (LOPS): overview of in-flight performance and initial results
Error estimate for fluxgate magnetometer in-flight calibration on a spinning spacecraft
Radiation tolerance of the PNI RM3100 magnetometer for a Europa lander mission
Maximum-variance gradiometer technique for removal of spacecraft-generated disturbances from magnetic field data
In-orbit results of the Coupled Dark State Magnetometer aboard the China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite
Low-noise permalloy ring cores for fluxgate magnetometers
The combined processing of geomagnetic intensity vector projections and absolute magnitude measurements
A low-cost device for measuring local magnetic anomalies in volcanic terrain
In situ calibration of offsetting magnetometer feedback transients on the Cassiope spacecraft
A network of magnetometers for multi-scale urban science and informatics
Advanced calibration of magnetometers on spin-stabilized spacecraft based on parameter decoupling
A hybrid fluxgate and search coil magnetometer concept using a racetrack core
Investigation of a low-cost magneto-inductive magnetometer for space science applications
Numerical evaluation of magnetic absolute measurements with arbitrarily distributed DI-fluxgate theodolite orientations
Merging fluxgate and induction coil data to produce low-noise geomagnetic observatory data meeting the INTERMAGNET definitive 1 s data standard
Saint Petersburg magnetic observatory: from Voeikovo subdivision to INTERMAGNET certification
The effect of winding and core support material on the thermal gain dependence of a fluxgate magnetometer sensor
Magnetogama: an open schematic magnetometer
Possibilities of further improvement of 1 s fluxgate variometers
Measurement experiences with FluxSet digital D/I station
An automatic DI-flux at the Livingston Island geomagnetic observatory, Antarctica: requirements and lessons learned
Semiautomatic sun shots with the WIDIF DIflux
Optimized merging of search coil and fluxgate data for MMS
Distance scaling method for accurate prediction of slowly varying magnetic fields in satellite missions
Mars MOURA magnetometer demonstration for high-resolution mapping on terrestrial analogues
Calibration of QM-MOURA three-axis magnetometer and gradiometer
The origin of noise and magnetic hysteresis in crystalline permalloy ring-core fluxgate sensors
Protection against lightning at a geomagnetic observatory
An initial investigation of the long-term trends in the fluxgate magnetometer (FGM) calibration parameters on the four Cluster spacecraft
Interinstrument calibration using magnetic field data from the flux-gate magnetometer (FGM) and electron drift instrument (EDI) onboard Cluster
Harmonic quiet-day curves as magnetometer baselines for ionospheric current analyses
A radiation hardened digital fluxgate magnetometer for space applications
Contribution to solving the orientation problem for an automatic magnetic observatory
Automatic parameterization for magnetometer zero offset determination
Xiujuan Hu, Shaopeng He, Xudong Zhao, Qin Tian, Alimjan Mamatemin, Pengkun Guo, and Guoping Chang
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 13, 301–308, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-301-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-301-2024, 2024
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Nearly 200 sets of three-axis fluxgate magnetometers are used in Chinese geomagnetic observatories, but due to their directional errors, it is necessary to study error correction methods to improve measurement accuracy. Experimental results show that correcting the Z-axis and D-axis directional errors is essential. The observation data after error correction demonstrate the clear correction effect. The measurement device used in the experiment is low in cost and easy to disseminate.
Cristiano Mendel Martins, Katia Jasbinschek Pinheiro, Achim Ohlert, Jürgen Matzka, Marcos Vinicius da Silva, and Reynerth Pereira da Costa
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 13, 289–299, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-289-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-289-2024, 2024
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The magnetic equator is the region where the magnetic field is horizontal and therefore strong ionospheric electric currents occur, the so-called equatorial electrojet. The magnetic equator is predicted to be at Macapá state in 2024. Therefore, a new magnetometer station was installed in Macapá in order to track the effects of the equatorial electrojet. We present the setup and data analysis of Macapá station, and we develop a method for temperature correction of the vector magnetometer data.
Matthew G. Finley, Allison M. Flores, Katherine J. Morris, Robert M. Broadfoot, Sam Hisel, Jason Homann, Chris Piker, Ananya Sen Gupta, and David M. Miles
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 13, 263–275, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-263-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-263-2024, 2024
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Spaceflight magnetic-field measurements are often contaminated by interference from the host spacecraft. We present a new dataset to enable the development and testing of interference mitigation schemes for spaceflight magnetic-field data. Over 100 h of data, including laboratory-generated proxies for magnetic interference and geophysical signals, have been produced. A ground truth for the underlying interference is also provided, enabling the rigorous quantification of data-cleaning techniques.
Kenton Greene, Scott R. Bounds, Robert M. Broadfoot, Connor Feltman, Samuel J. Hisel, Ryan M. Kraus, Amanda Lasko, Antonio Washington, and David M. Miles
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 13, 249–262, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-249-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-249-2024, 2024
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Demonstrating the space flight capability of the next generation of precise, reliable magnetic field instruments is important for enabling future space science missions that will further our understanding of the connection between Earth's magnetic field and the Sun. Here, we present a new magnetic field instrument design called Tesseract, the results from its successful first space flight demonstration aboard a rocket, and its measurements of magnetic fields associated with the aurora.
Christoph Amtmann, Andreas Pollinger, Michaela Ellmeier, Michele Dougherty, Patrick Brown, Roland Lammegger, Alexander Betzler, Martín Agú, Christian Hagen, Irmgard Jernej, Josef Wilfinger, Richard Baughen, Alex Strickland, and Werner Magnes
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 13, 177–191, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-177-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-177-2024, 2024
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The paper discusses the accuracy of the scalar magnetometer on board the scientific satellite mission
Jupiter Icy Moons Explorerof the European Space Agency. A novel method is described which utilises experiments, performed with a coil system in a geomagnetic observatory, and a mathematical data processing approach to separate the systematic errors of the coil system from the systematic error of the magnetometer. With this, the paper shows that the instrument’s accuracy is below 0.2 nT (1σ).
B. Barry Narod and David M. Miles
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 13, 131–161, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-131-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-131-2024, 2024
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We present the experimental results of a new copper-based alloy suitable for use in high-precision magnetic sensing. It outperforms by providing lower magnetic noise and superior power consumption. Prototype sensors constructed from this material can meet an exacting standard, the 2012 1 s INTERMAGNET standard, for magnetic observatories.
Cole J. Dorman, Chris Piker, and David M. Miles
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 13, 43–50, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-43-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-43-2024, 2024
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Magnetic field measurements in space can be contaminated by stray magnetic fields from their host satellite. We present an automated tool for measuring the magnetic field generated by potential satellite and instrument components to identify those that may degrade the measurements taken on orbit. This tool is designed for use by the Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites (TRACERS) Small Explorers mission and is currently being used for mission design activities.
Marcos Vinicius da Silva, Katia J. Pinheiro, Achim Ohlert, and Jürgen Matzka
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 12, 271–283, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-12-271-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-12-271-2023, 2023
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Geomagnetic observatories are dedicated to the long-term monitoring of the Earth's magnetic field. Their time series contain information mainly about the Earth's core and the near-Earth space environment. MOSFiT accesses a global database with the most recent observatory data and allows us to separate the information about the Earth's core. At the same time, it allows for an efficient check of the data quality. We present the code, validate it and explain its usage.
Nicholas Belsten, Mary Knapp, Rebecca Masterson, Cadence Payne, Kristen Ammons, Frank D. Lind, and Kerri Cahoy
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 12, 201–213, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-12-201-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-12-201-2023, 2023
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AERO and VISTA spacecraft will use commercial magnetometers to measure space weather events near Earth’s aurora. The small size of AERO and VISTA necessitate the use of magnetometers with small size, weight, and power. The magnetometers selected exhibit good precision, but additional calibration is needed to achieve good accuracy. This work evaluates a method for calibration by regression which has reduced the magnetic observed error by a factor of ca. 50, meeting mission requirements.
Brady P. Strabel, Leonardo H. Regoli, Mark B. Moldwin, Lauro V. Ojeda, Yining Shi, Jacob D. Thoma, Isaac S. Narrett, Bret Bronner, and Matthew Pellioni
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 11, 375–388, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-375-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-375-2022, 2022
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The design, characteristics, and performance of a CubeSat magnetometer board (Quad-Mag) equipped with four PNI RM3100 magnetometers is presented. The inclusion of four sensors allows a potential factor of 2 reduction in the noise floor established for an individual sensor via oversampling with multiple sensors. The Quad-Mag is shown to enable 1 nT magnetic field measurements at 1 Hz and 5.345 nT at 65 Hz using commercial off-the-shelf sensors for space applications.
Robert M. Broadfoot, David M. Miles, Warren Holley, and Andrew D. Howarth
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 11, 323–333, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-323-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-323-2022, 2022
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The Swarm-Echo Satellite carries two magnetometers that allow us to obtain two independent measurements of the changes that occur in the Earth's magnetic field during events such as aurora. Magnetometers must be independently calibrated to ensure they remain accurate. If no magnetic reference is available, a model magnetic field must be used. This paper discusses the method used to calibrate the magnetometers on Swarm-Echo and shows the improvements the calibration has made to the data product.
Kenton Greene, Christian Hansen, B. Barry Narod, Richard Dvorsky, and David M. Miles
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 11, 307–321, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-307-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-307-2022, 2022
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The ability to make reliable magnetic measurements in space is very important for a broad range of applications in space science. Here, we present the design and performance of a new magnetometer that looks very promising for making stable reliable magnetic measurements in space. We show that Tesseract performs better than the traditional ring-core design in metrics that are associated with stability.
Mark B. Moldwin, Edward Wilcox, Eftyhia Zesta, and Todd M. Bonalsky
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 11, 219–222, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-219-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-219-2022, 2022
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The commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) PNI RM3100 magnetometer was tested for single-event latchup (SEL) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's heavy-ion beam and did not experience any single-event effects at a linear energy transfer >75 MeV cm2 mg−1. Coupled with previous total ionizing dose (TID) testing at the University of Michigan and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center that showed no degradation in performance up to 150 kRad(SI), the COTS PNI RM3100 is extremely radiation tolerant.
David M. Miles, Richard Dvorsky, Kenton Greene, Christian T. Hansen, B. Barry Narod, and Michael D. Webb
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 11, 111–126, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-111-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-11-111-2022, 2022
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We present an experiment intended to enable extremely low-noise magnetic field measurements. We manufactured fluxgate magnetometer cores using two metal alloys, two geometries, two foil thicknesses, and six different heat treatments and compared the resulting material properties, power consumption, and magnetic noise. Our results suggest that thinner foils, potentially using a new copper alloy, manufactured into continuous racetrack washers may provide excellent performance in fluxgate sensors.
M. Andy Kass, Esben Auken, Jakob Juul Larsen, and Anders Vest Christiansen
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 10, 313–323, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-313-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-313-2021, 2021
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We have developed a towed magnetic gradiometer system for rapid acquisition of magnetic and magnetic gradient maps. This high-resolution system is flexible and has applications to utility detection, archaeology, unexploded ordnance, or any other applications where high-resolution maps of the magnetic field or gradient are required. Processing of the data has been simplified as much as possible to facilitate rapid results and interpretations.
Ye Zhu, Aimin Du, Hao Luo, Donghai Qiao, Ying Zhang, Yasong Ge, Jiefeng Yang, Shuquan Sun, Lin Zhao, Jiaming Ou, Zhifang Guo, and Lin Tian
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 10, 227–243, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-227-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-227-2021, 2021
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The Low Orbit Pearl Satellites measure magnetic field with high spatial coverage. Although there is no magnetic cleanliness to the satellites, the triple sensor configuration enables removal of interference. Results show they can capture the Earth’s internal as well as external fields from the magnetosphere–ionosphere current system. This study implies that a large number of small low-cost satellites without magnetic cleanliness could be the future for space magnetic exploration.
Yasuhito Narita, Ferdinand Plaschke, Werner Magnes, David Fischer, and Daniel Schmid
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 10, 13–24, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-13-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-13-2021, 2021
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The systematic error of calibrated fluxgate magnetometer data is studied for a spinning spacecraft. The major error comes from the offset uncertainty when the ambient magnetic field is low, while the error represents the combination of non-orthogonality, misalignment to spacecraft reference direction, and gain when the ambient field is high. The results are useful in developing future high-precision magnetometers and an error estimate in scientific studies using magnetometer data.
Leonardo H. Regoli, Mark B. Moldwin, Connor Raines, Tom A. Nordheim, Cameron A. Miller, Martin Carts, and Sara A. Pozzi
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 9, 499–507, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-499-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-499-2020, 2020
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One of the four Galilean moons of Jupiter, Europa, is one of the most promising places in the solar system to find life outside Earth. For this reason, the space science community is currently focused on exploring it. One of the main difficulties of such a task is the harsh radiation environment caused by the radiation belts of Jupiter. In this paper, we present results for a magnetic field sensor being exposed to radiation levels similar to those expected at the surface of Europa.
Ovidiu Dragoş Constantinescu, Hans-Ulrich Auster, Magda Delva, Olaf Hillenmaier, Werner Magnes, and Ferdinand Plaschke
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 9, 451–469, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-451-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-451-2020, 2020
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We propose a gradiometer-based technique for cleaning multi-sensor magnetic field data acquired on board spacecraft. The technique takes advantage on the fact that the maximum-variance direction of many AC disturbances on board spacecraft does not change over time. We apply the proposed technique to the SOSMAG instrument on board GeoKompsat-2A. We analyse the performance and limitations of the technique and discuss in detail how various disturbances are removed.
Andreas Pollinger, Christoph Amtmann, Alexander Betzler, Bingjun Cheng, Michaela Ellmeier, Christian Hagen, Irmgard Jernej, Roland Lammegger, Bin Zhou, and Werner Magnes
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 9, 275–291, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-275-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-275-2020, 2020
David M. Miles, Miroslaw Ciurzynski, David Barona, B. Barry Narod, John R. Bennest, Andy Kale, Marc Lessard, David K. Milling, Joshua Larson, and Ian R. Mann
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 8, 227–240, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-227-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-227-2019, 2019
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Fluxgate magnetometers provide magnetic field measurements for geophysics and space physics. A low-noise ferromagnetic ring core typically determines the noise performance of the instrument. Much of the basic research into producing low-noise fluxgate sensors was completed in the 1960s for military purposes and was never publicly released. We present a manufacturing approach that can consistently produce fluxgate ring cores with a noise performance comparable to the legacy ring cores used today.
Victor G. Getmanov, Alexei D. Gvishiani, and Roman V. Sidorov
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 8, 209–215, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-209-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-209-2019, 2019
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The material in this research paper is intended for specialists engaged in digital processing of geomagnetic field measurements. A technique is discussed that can help to reduce the errors in measurements and can be applied in various tasks of digital processing of geomagnetic data from vector magnetometers and other three-component data. The results of the tests on model and real geomagnetic data are provided for the algorithm along with the conclusions about its possibilities.
Bertwin M. de Groot and Lennart V. de Groot
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 8, 217–225, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-217-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-217-2019, 2019
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Our knowledge of the Earth's magnetic field arises from magnetic signals stored in lavas. In rugged volcanic terrain, however, the magnetization of the underlying flows may influence the magnetic field as recorded by newly formed flows on top. To measure these local magnetic anomalies, we developed a low-cost field magnetometer with superior accuracy and user-friendliness. The first measurements on Mt. Etna show local magnetic variations that are much larger than expected.
David M. Miles, Andrew D. Howarth, and Greg A. Enno
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 8, 187–195, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-187-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-187-2019, 2019
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Measurements from the magnetic field instrument on the Cassiope spacecraft were found to be degraded by an artifact of how the instrument tracks the changing magnetic field as the spacecraft orbits the Earth. We present a process to characterize this effect on orbit and compensate for it in the post–processing of the data. This work allows the instrument to accurately track rapidly changing local fields without loss of measurement fidelity and improves the high–frequency noise of the data.
Trevor A. Bowen, Elena Zhivun, Arne Wickenbrock, Vincent Dumont, Stuart D. Bale, Christopher Pankow, Gregory Dobler, Jonathan S. Wurtele, and Dmitry Budker
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 8, 129–138, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-129-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-129-2019, 2019
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We highlight the development of a low-cost portable sensor array to study magnetic fields in urban areas. Recent advancements in urban science have demonstrated significant utility in characterizing a city based on physical measurements. Magnetic fields of cities are characterized by significant noise; in the case of the San Francisco Bay Area, this noise is dominated by the BART train system. We demonstrate an ability to identify and extract BART noise from the urban magnetic environment.
Ferdinand Plaschke, Hans-Ulrich Auster, David Fischer, Karl-Heinz Fornaçon, Werner Magnes, Ingo Richter, Dragos Constantinescu, and Yasuhito Narita
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 8, 63–76, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-63-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-8-63-2019, 2019
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Raw output of spacecraft magnetometers has to be converted into meaningful units and coordinate systems before it is usable for scientific applications. This conversion is defined by 12 calibration parameters, 8 of which are more easily determined in flight if the spacecraft is spinning. We present theory and advanced algorithms to determine these eight parameters. They take into account the physical magnetometer and spacecraft behavior, making them superior to previously published algorithms.
David M. Miles, B. Barry Narod, David K. Milling, Ian R. Mann, David Barona, and George B. Hospodarsky
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 7, 265–276, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-7-265-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-7-265-2018, 2018
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We present a proof-of-concept space-flight instrument that can simultaneously make measurements of both the low- and high-frequency local magnetic field. Previously, this would have required two separate instruments that would normally have had to be mounted separately on long deployable booms to keep them from interfering. This new hybrid instrument is expected to be particularly useful on extremely small spacecraft, such as CubeSats, which can only accommodate a few instruments.
Leonardo H. Regoli, Mark B. Moldwin, Matthew Pellioni, Bret Bronner, Kelsey Hite, Arie Sheinker, and Brandon M. Ponder
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 7, 129–142, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-7-129-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-7-129-2018, 2018
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The presence of magnetic fields in space dominate the way planets interact with different types of plasmas. Thus, measuring them is extremely important when studying space. We present an instrument capable of measuring magnetic fields at a fraction of the cost, power and size of traditional magnetometers. With this technology, a science-grade magnetometer for small satellites can be achieved, enabling the study of the space environment with large clusters of sensors in future missions.
Heinz-Peter Brunke and Jürgen Matzka
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 7, 1–9, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-7-1-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-7-1-2018, 2018
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The long-term drift of magnetometers at geomagnetic observatories is calibrated by a non-magnetic theodolite. We propose a numerical method to evaluate such absolute measurements in a new, more general manner. It is more flexible and helps to identify and correct or discard erroneous measurements. We derive this method and give examples showing how it improves the quality and reliability of the calibrations parameters (the so-called baseline values) of an observatory magnetometer.
Heinz-Peter Brunke, Rudolf Widmer-Schnidrig, and Monika Korte
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 6, 487–493, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-487-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-487-2017, 2017
Short summary
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In magnetic observatory data, according to the INTERMAGNET definitive 1 s data standard, the fluxgate magnetometer self noise usually covers the natural signal for frequencies higher than about 30 mHz. We present a numerical method how to merge the data with induction coil data in order to drastically reduce noise and to fill the entire possible bandwidth with information on the earth magnetic field. In spectrograms we visualize interesting phenomena revealed with the method.
Roman Sidorov, Anatoly Soloviev, Roman Krasnoperov, Dmitry Kudin, Andrei Grudnev, Yury Kopytenko, Andrei Kotikov, and Pavel Sergushin
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 6, 473–485, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-473-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-473-2017, 2017
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Saint Petersburg Observatory was founded as a geomagnetic branch of the Voyeikovo magnetic and meteorological observatory in the late 1960s. In 2012 the station was upgraded to INTERMAGNET standard and in 2016 it was officially certified as SPG INTERMAGNET magnetic observatory. The SPG data can be downloaded via http://intermagnet.org or
http://geomag.gcras.ru . This paper describes the way the SPG observatory made to become an international geomagnetic network member.
David M. Miles, Ian R. Mann, Andy Kale, David K. Milling, Barry B. Narod, John R. Bennest, David Barona, and Martyn J. Unsworth
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 6, 377–396, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-377-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-377-2017, 2017
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Fluxgate magnetometers are an important geophysical tool but are typically sensitive to changes in sensor temperature. We used a novel, low-cost calibration procedure to compare six matched sensors in which the material used as the mechanical support is varied and found that 30 % glass-filled PEEK engineering plastic is a good candidate for sensors. It is more economical, easier to machine, lighter, and more robust than historically used machinable ceramic.
Wahyudi, Nurul Khakhim, Tri Kuntoro, Djati Mardiatno, Afif Rakhman, Anas Setyo Handaru, Adien Akhmad Mufaqih, and Theodosius Marwan Irnaka
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 6, 319–327, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-319-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-319-2017, 2017
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In geophysics exploration, measuring earth's magnetic field using magnetometers is a necessity to resolve earth's subsurface structure. In this paper we offer an open-schematic fluxgate magnetometer (Magnetogama) that will help people build their own magnetometer. We focus on how to assemble and record earth's magnetic response. Several sensitivity tests were performed to make sure that Magnetogama has the capability to be used in exploration.
Andriy Marusenkov
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 6, 301–309, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-301-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-301-2017, 2017
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The paper discusses the possibility of improving the quality of geomagnetic variation monitoring at ground observatories. The new fluxgate sensor and electronics with upgraded temperature and noise characteristics are described. It is supposed that the application of the results and recommendations discussed in the paper will allow a fluxgate magnetometer to be created with an outstanding level of parameters.
László Hegymegi, János Szöllősy, Csaba Hegymegi, and Ádám Domján
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 6, 279–284, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-279-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-279-2017, 2017
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The authors developed and built a digital non-magnetic declination–inclination magnetometer which gives all measurement data in digital form. Use of this instrument significantly decreases the possibility of observation errors and minimises handwork. We showed that this device is suitable for absolute magnetic control measurements, and it is more convenient, user friendly and effective than the traditional ones.
Santiago Marsal, Juan José Curto, Joan Miquel Torta, Alexandre Gonsette, Vicent Favà, Jean Rasson, Miquel Ibañez, and Òscar Cid
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 6, 269–277, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-269-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-269-2017, 2017
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Commercial solutions for an automated DI-flux are practically reduced to the AutoDIF and the GyroDIF. We analyze the pros and cons of both in terms of suitability at the Livingston Island geomagnetic observatory, Antarctica. We conclude that the GyroDIF is more suitable for harsh conditions due to its simpler infrastructure. We also show the instrument housing design and its control electronics. Our experiences can benefit the geomagnetic community, which often faces similar challenges.
Jean L. Rasson, Olivier Hendrickx, and Jean-Luc Marin
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 6, 257–261, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-257-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-6-257-2017, 2017
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In geomagnetism, geodesy and in general disciplines requiring orientation on Earth, accurately finding the direction of true north is a challenge. This paper describes a method to do so using a traditional theodolite and the proposed apparatus: an electro-optical add-on. The details of the concepts, design and operation of the add-on are explained.
David Fischer, Werner Magnes, Christian Hagen, Ivan Dors, Mark W. Chutter, Jerry Needell, Roy B. Torbert, Olivier Le Contel, Robert J. Strangeway, Gernot Kubin, Aris Valavanoglou, Ferdinand Plaschke, Rumi Nakamura, Laurent Mirioni, Christopher T. Russell, Hannes K. Leinweber, Kenneth R. Bromund, Guan Le, Lawrence Kepko, Brian J. Anderson, James A. Slavin, and Wolfgang Baumjohann
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 5, 521–530, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-5-521-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-5-521-2016, 2016
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This paper describes frequency and timing calibration, modeling and data processing and calibration for MMS magnetometers, resulting in a merged search choil and fluxgate data product.
Panagiotis P. Zacharias, Elpida G. Chatzineofytou, Sotirios T. Spantideas, and Christos N. Capsalis
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 5, 281–288, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-5-281-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-5-281-2016, 2016
Marina Díaz-Michelena, Rolf Kilian, Ruy Sanz, Francisco Rios, and Oscar Baeza
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 5, 127–142, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-5-127-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-5-127-2016, 2016
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The present manuscript is written as the result of an exhaustive field work with MOURA instrument on relevant sites on Earth. MOURA magnetometer was developed for Mars MetNet precursor mission to Mars. In this work we have demonstrated the capabilities of the instrument in terrestrial analogues of Mars, which cover a huge variability range in the magnetic anomalies intensities. Apart from its suitability for prospections, we insist on its advanced performance regarding paleomagnetic information.
M. Díaz-Michelena, R. Sanz, M. F. Cerdán, and A. B. Fernández
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 4, 1–18, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-4-1-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-4-1-2015, 2015
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In situ magnetometry is key for planetary mineralogy. However, since magnetic instrumentation is considered secondary in Mars and Moon landers and rovers, magnetometers have often very restricted envelopes of mass, volume and power, and consequently limited functionality.
In this work, it is presented the capability of MOURA small magnetometer and gradiometer to open a wide and novel scientific research on Mars mineralogy and paleomagnetism through the very complex calibration process.
B. B. Narod
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 3, 201–210, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-3-201-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-3-201-2014, 2014
R. Čop, G. Milev, D. Deželjin, and J. Kosmač
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 3, 135–141, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-3-135-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-3-135-2014, 2014
L. N. S. Alconcel, P. Fox, P. Brown, T. M. Oddy, E. L. Lucek, and C. M. Carr
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 3, 95–109, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-3-95-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-3-95-2014, 2014
R. Nakamura, F. Plaschke, R. Teubenbacher, L. Giner, W. Baumjohann, W. Magnes, M. Steller, R. B. Torbert, H. Vaith, M. Chutter, K.-H. Fornaçon, K.-H. Glassmeier, and C. Carr
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 3, 1–11, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-3-1-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-3-1-2014, 2014
M. van de Kamp
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 2, 289–304, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-2-289-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-2-289-2013, 2013
D. M. Miles, J. R. Bennest, I. R. Mann, and D. K. Millling
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 2, 213–224, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-2-213-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-2-213-2013, 2013
A. Khokhlov, J. L. Le Mouël, and M. Mandea
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 2, 1–9, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-2-1-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-2-1-2013, 2013
M. A. Pudney, C. M. Carr, S. J. Schwartz, and S. I. Howarth
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 1, 103–109, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-1-103-2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-1-103-2012, 2012
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Short summary
Measuring the magnetic field onboard spacecraft requires regular in-flight calibration activities. Among those, determining the output of magnetometers under vanishing ambient magnetic fields, the so-called magnetometer offsets, is essential. Typically, characteristic rotations in solar wind magnetic fields are used to obtain these offsets. This paper addresses the question of how many solar wind data are needed to reach certain accuracy levels in offset determination.
Measuring the magnetic field onboard spacecraft requires regular in-flight calibration...
