VG2 JUP PLS: Voyager 2 Ion Density Estimates at Jupiter

A two-column dataset containing ion density estimates from the Voyager 2 Plasma Science instrument at Jupiter. The data is derived from measured currents in the 10-5950 eV/Q voltage range, with a 96-second temporal resolution. It was produced by NASA, with the last metadata update recorded on 2026-03-13.

Use Cases

• Analyzing temporal variations in ion density based on the 96-second resolution time series.
• Studying plasma flow conditions in Jupiter's magnetosphere based on the described high Mach number flow assumption.
• Comparing ion density estimates inside and outside the L=17.5 boundary based on the different velocity models described.
• Identifying data gaps or measurement anomalies based on the -9.99e+10 flag value for unobtainable parameters.

Strengths

• Data provenance is clear, originating from NASA's Voyager 2 mission.
• The description provides specific methodological details, including the voltage range (10-5950 eV/Q) and the 96-second resolution period.
• A specific flag value (-9.99e+10) is defined for missing data, aiding in data cleaning.

Limitations

• The description notes absolute densities may be underestimated by a factor of 2 in the outer magnetosphere.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics beyond the two described columns must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment for large-scale analysis.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Derived from Voyager 2 Plasma Science (PLS) instrument measurements using a described current-to-density calculation method.

Time Range

Includes data from day 190 of the mission; specific start and end dates are not provided.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 17:41:51.254771; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Jupiter's magnetosphere.