Cluster-Samba WBD: High-Resolution Plasma Wave Data from Cluster Satellites

The Cluster-Samba Wideband Data (WBD) dataset provides high time resolution calibrated waveform data from plasma wave receivers on four Cluster satellites. Data includes electric and magnetic field measurements sampled in three frequency bands up to 577 kHz, along with instrument mode, data quality, and orientation angles. The dataset is produced by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and is documented via the University of Iowa Cluster WBD web site and the Cluster Science Archive.

Use Cases

• Analyze plasma wave phenomena such as Langmuir waves or chorus based on high-resolution electric and magnetic waveform data.
• Study wave propagation and orientation relative to the magnetic field based on the included angle data.
• Compare wave characteristics across different frequency bands (9.5 kHz, 19 kHz, 77 kHz) using the filter bandwidth modes.
• Investigate temporal evolution of events like auroral kilometric radiation using the high time resolution sampling (4.6 to 36.5 microseconds).

Strengths

• Data is collected from four distinct satellites (Cluster 1-4, named Rumba, Salsa, Samba, Tango), providing multi-point observations.
• Offers high time resolution sampling, with the fastest mode sampled at 4.6 microseconds in the time domain.
• Includes calibrated electric and magnetic field values along with instrument mode and orientation angles.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Data availability depends on times of DSN and Panska Ves ground station telemetry downlinks, which may create gaps.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Data gathered by Wideband Data (WBD) Plasma Wave Receivers on the Cluster spacecraft.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 03:28:03.253008; freshness should be verified.