Quasi-periodic rapid motion of pulsating auroras

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Abstract We report rapid motion of pulsating auroras associated with so called ​3 ± 1 Hz modulations embedded in the main pulsations. During the pulsation ON phase, repetitive expansions are often observed around the edges of pulsating patches. Some events show a few detached expansions traveling away from the main deformed pulsating patch. Approximately 80% of all expansion speeds were found to be less than 70 km s −1  at ionospheric altitudes, which is less than the projected Alfven speed from the magnetospheric equator to the ionosphere. The rapid motions with speeds of tens of km s −1 are unlikely to be explained by obliquely propagating chorus elements, which are known to cause the 3 ± 1 Hz modulation, because the perpendicular speed of the oblique chorus waves is higher than the Alfven speed. We discuss the slow-mode Alfven wave as a candidate modulation source to generate the rapid motions. A few non-repetitive expansion events with a speed of more than 150 km s −1 also appear at the onset of the ON phase. These non-repetitive expanding motions are characterized by a long displacement compared to the repetitive expanding motions. The differences in the expansion speeds indicate different formation mechanisms of the patch motions.

Journal

  • Polar Science

    Polar Science 10 (3), 183-191, 2016-09

    Elsevier BV

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