Omnidirectional intensity contours of low-energy protons (0.5≤<i>E</i>≤50 kev) in the Earth's outer radiation zone at the magnetic equator

Abstract

Observations of low-energy proton intensities within seven selected energy bandpasses spanning the energy range 0.5≤E≤50 kev are summarized in diagrams of L versus time for the period 10 June through 23 July 1966. These contours of omnidirectional, differential proton intensities were calculated via measurements of the directional, differential spectrums of the proton intensities with a sensitive electrostatic analyzer array borne on the earth satellite OGO 3 at mid- and low latitudes in the outer radiation zone and are normalized to a geomagnetic latitude 0° (magnetic equator). Diagrams of L versus time provide a compact, useful summary of these unique observations of proton intensities over L values ranging from ∼3.0 to 12 and promote further insight into the morphological features of one of the most dynamically important components of magnetospheric plasma.