Results And Conclusion


After analyzing the data retrieved from both the "Polar" and "Wind" satellites, many correlations between the two have been found. First, there is a direct connection between the IMF components and the intensity of "polar rain" in the northern and southern hemispheres. From the graphs in chart 1 & 2 we can gather that the reconnection to the either the southern or northern hemisphere is dependent on the direction of the sun's magnetic field (ie. the Bx component of the solar wind). Thus when the Bx component of the solar wind negative, a high Electron Volt Count at 100 eV is measured, which suggests a reconnection at the northern pole. Likewise, when the Bx component is negative, a relatively weaker Electron Volt Count at 100 eV is measured, which suggests no reconnection in the northern pole. Much the same conclusions can be made about the connection in the southern pole. When Bx is negative, a relatively low Electron Count at 100 eV is measured, suggesting no reconnection in the South. And likewise, when Bx is positive, a relatively high electron Count is measured, suggesting a reconnection of the suns magnetic field to the southern pole. Because low intensities in one pole coincide with high intensities in the other it can be inferred that reconnection does no occur simultaneously. However, this is not the cases in Corona Mass Ejections which will be discussed separately.

The IMF Bz Component of the sun's magnetic field effects the "Polar Rain" in a much different fashion. When Bx negative and Bz is positive, there is a very high electron count over the northern pole, indicating a reconnection of magnetic field lines. In the South Pole, the Electron Energy count is extremely small, indicating that no connection was probably formed. A defined reconnection to the poles is evident when Bx is negative and Bz is positive. Other combinations of components do not result such clear reconnections. When Bx is negative and Bz is negative high electron counts in both the southern and northern poles is measured. The data itself would literally dictate a reconnection in both poles, however, more investigation into this subject must be made.

Note: The IMF By Component does not seem to play a major role in reconnection.



Graph of Bx in the northern hemisphere
Graph 1: This shows how the IMF Bx relates to the electron counts at 100eV in the northern hemisphere

Graph of Bx in the southern hemisphere
Graph 2: This shows how the IMF Bx relates to the electron counts at 100eV in the southern hemisphere

Graph of Bx vs Bz
Graph 3: This shows IMF Bx vs. IMF Bz which we used to insure that we had full coverage of the various possible cases. Such as, Bx positive Bz positive, Bx negative Bz positive, etc.