Research Article

A new model for plasmapause locations derived from IMAGE RPI and Van Allen Probes data

¹ German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute for Solar-Terrestrial Physics, Kalkhorstweg 53, 17235 Neustrelitz, Germany
² Telespazio Germany GmbH c/o European Space Operations Centre (ESA/ESOC), Robert-Bosch-Str. 5, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany (Retired)
³ European Space Operations Centre (ESA/ESOC), Robert-Bosch-Str. 5, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany

^* Corresponding author: Daniela.Banys@dlr.de

Received: 20 August 2023
Accepted: 18 May 2024

Abstract

The outer boundary of the plasmasphere, the plasmapause, is characterized by a sharp electron density gradient that changes under varying space weather conditions. We developed a new model, called the Neustrelitz/ESOC PlasmaPause Model (NEPPM), for providing plasmapause location in terms of L-shell utilizing electron density measurements from the Van Allen Probes from 2012 to 2018 and the IMAGE satellite data from 2001 to 2005. Both datasets were preprocessed, and algorithms were developed for the automatic detection of plasmapause location L_pp where L denotes the McIlwain parameter. The suggested model provides a simple ellipse-based approach determined by the semi-major axis, the eccentricity, and the orientation angle of the semi-major axis. The modelled L_pp varies as a function of the Dst index and magnetic local time MLT. The NEPPM results are compared with the Global Core Plasma Model (GCPM). The plasmapause bulge in the evening hours follows the level of geomagnetic activity. The NEPPM will complete the NPSM (Neustrelitz PlasmaSphere Model), which was derived from dual-frequency GPS measurements onboard the CHAMP satellite mission.