Detecting Magnetopause-Boundary Layer Echoes by RPI on IMAGE

Fung, S. F., B. W. Reinisch, and I. A. Galkin

One of the technical challenges for Radio Plasma Imager (RPI) on the IMAGE
spacecraft is to detect direct radio echoes from the outer magnetospheric
boundary. Before IMAGE launch, it was anticipated that such direct echoes
would yield useful structural information on this important boundary. In
this paper, we will show examples of RPI echo signatures that may be
attributed to reflections in the magnetopause-boundary layer region. We
will discuss the reasoning for and against these echoes being originated
from the boundary layer. Physical interpretations of the observed echo
signatures will be given where possible.

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To be presented at the Magnetospheric Imaging Workshop, 
Yosemite National Park, California, U.S.A., Feb. 5-8, 2002.