Connections within Geospace, Living With a Star Response

L. Zanetti (JHU/APL, Laurel, MD 20723), N. Fox, B. Mauk, D. Mitchell, 
P. Brandt, B Anderson, H. Korth, and S. Carr

Recently published GPS maps of enhanced channels of Total Electron Content
during storm periods (Foster et al., Geophysical Research Letters, 2002) beg
the question of high altitude drivers and low altitude, interactive response.
Presumably electric fields are the connecting mechanism; IMAGE energetic
neutral atom imaging data and Iridium constellation magnetic field data are
compared for consistency. Tracking of these phenomena and understanding the
drivers will aid in the knowledge and eventual prediction of communication
and navigation errors and disruptions.  Connection of physical processes
within Geospace and eventually toward the sun is a major science goal of
NASAÕs Living With a Star program; studies such as the above are pathfinders
in the sun to Earth system science that will provide the understanding of
those Geospace phenomena that most affect life and society.

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Presentation at the Yosemite Conference of Inner Magnetospheric Interactions,
3 - 6 February 2004, Yosemite, California, USA