Magnetic Fluctuation Properties of Interplanetary Magnetic Clouds

C. W. Smith, R. J. Leamon, N. F. Ness, L. F. Burlaga, R. L. Tokar and R. M. Skoug

Proceedings of the 26th International Cosmic Ray Conference

Abstract:

Analysis of a magnetic cloud recently observed by the WIND spacecraft demonstrated that the magnetic fluctuations were more nearly transverse to the mean magnetic field than is commonly seen in the solar wind. It was also apparent that the wave vectors were oriented at large angles to the mean field to a degree that exceeded normal solar wind conditions. This orientation is particularly ineffective at scattering energetic charged particles. We examine a number of magnetic clouds observed by the ACE spacecraft near 1 AU with the intention of confirming or refuting the general validity of the above results.