Propagation Characteristics of Electromagnetic Waves in the Magnetosphere

Abstract

The propagation mechanism of electromagnetic waves in the Earth’s magnetosphere and magnetotail is investigated using a ray-tracing technique. The present study makes use of macroscopic models for the magnetic-field topology and electron density distribution. The existence of the bow shock, magnetopause and plasma-pause is taken into account; the distortion of the Earth’s magnetic field by the solar wind is also included in the models. Results are presented in the form of ray paths. This study deals with the penetration of Type-III solar bursts into the magneto- sphere, the trapping of terrestrial nonthermal radiation, and the propagation of auroral kilometric radiation.