Polar PWI: Plasma Wave Spectral Density Measurements from 1996-1997

From March 1996 to September 1997, the Polar spacecraft's Sweep Frequency Receivers collected spectral density data for magnetic and electric fields. The dataset includes correlation data, electron cyclotron frequency, upper hybrid frequency, and electron number density, with a full frequency sweep taking about 33 seconds. It was produced by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Use Cases

• Analyze plasma wave spectra and dynamics based on 224 logarithmically spaced frequency bands.
• Study correlations between electric and magnetic field fluctuations based on correlation data.
• Investigate electron density and plasma frequency based on upper hybrid frequency and electron number density data.
• Model antenna performance and instrument modes based on the documented switch between Eu and Ez antennas.

Strengths

• Covers a specific 18-month time range from March 1996 to September 1997.
• Provides data across five defined frequency bands from 26 Hz to 808 kHz.
• Documents specific antenna usage timelines (Eu vs. Ez) for the SFR-A receiver.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Measurements from the Polar spacecraft's Plasma Wave Instrument (PWI) Sweep Frequency Receivers.

Time Range

March 1996 to September 1997

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 07:35:13.541145; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Space, Earth's magnetosphere (Polar spacecraft orbit)