Formation of a Reconnection Site
Date: 28 September 2006
Satellite: Double Star and Cluster
Copyright: Jean Berchem, UCLA, USA
Show in archive: true
A numerical simulation based on a global MagnetoHydroDynamic (MHD) model was run to reproduce the 8 May 2004 event. This image shows the topology of the magnetic field produced by the global MHD model around 10:00 UT, viewed from the direction of the Sun. Earth is represented by the blue sphere, the location of the Double Star TC-1 spacecraft is indicated, the magnetic field lines are colour-coded: red=unconnected, yellow=open, blue=closed.
The model reveals the formation of a reconnection site extending about 7 to 10 Magnetic Local Time (MLT), in agreement with the data collected by both Double Star TC-1 and Cluster.
Last Update: 1 September 2019
