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The source of radiation from Jupiter at decimeter wavelengths: 2. Cyclotron radiation by trapped electrons

1960; American Geophysical Union; Volume: 65; Issue: 6 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1029/jz065i006p01661

2156-2202

George B. Field,

Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Studies

One of the mechanisms suggested in a previous paper which could account for the decimeter radiation from Jupiter is examined in detail. A model is proposed in which nonrelativistic electrons are trapped on a magnetic surface in Jupiter's magnetic field, in analogy with the outer radiation belt of the earth. The spectrum and polarization of the cyclotron radiation emitted as the electrons move through the inhomogeneous magnetic field are calculated. The form of the spectrum (λ⅓) compares well with the observed one, and the required electron densities are only 0.3 per cent of those observed in the belt around the earth. The required magnetic field is very large—at least 1200 gauss at the poles. It is found that the polarization of the 20-Mc/s bursts can be explained if the latitude of the emitting region is between 30° and 40°. A suggestion is made about the origin of those bursts in electrical discharges. It is shown that the large magnetic field may be primordial, owing to the high electrical conductivity throughout the planet. Observational tests related to the proposed mechanism are discussed.