VG1-J-PLS-5-ION-MOM-96.0SEC: Voyager 1 Jupiter Plasma Ion Density Measurements

96-second resolution ion density estimates derived from Voyager 1's Plasma Science instrument during its Jupiter encounter. The data set contains calculated total ion density values in the energy range of 10 eV/Q to 5950 eV/Q, using a method described by McNutt et al. (1981). It is produced by NASA and archived with the Planetary Data System, with Version 1.1 replacing the previous Version 1.0.

Use Cases

• Analyzing ion density variations in Jupiter's magnetosphere based on the 96-second time-series data.
• Studying plasma flow characteristics based on the high Mach number flow assumption described.
• Comparing derived ion moments with other Voyager instrument data based on the referenced analysis method.
• Investigating plasma behavior inside and outside the L=17.5 boundary based on the corotation and constant velocity assumptions.

Strengths

• Data is derived from the Voyager 1 spacecraft's Plasma Science instrument, a primary source for Jupiter encounter science.
• The dataset provides a specific correction factor (1.209 for side sensor, 0.9617 for main sensor) applied to the densities.
• The description explicitly states density variations can be trusted, providing a clear quality assessment for a specific use.
• The dataset replaces a previous version (Version 1.0), indicating an update and improvement process.

Limitations

• The description warns that absolute densities should be treated with caution and may be underestimated by a factor of 2 in the outer magnetosphere.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred from the general description 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 1 Plasma Science instrument measurements using the method of McNutt et al. (1981).

Time Range

During the Voyager 1 Jupiter encounter, with a specific switch in methodology noted for year 1979, day 63 at 1300.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 05:14:17.907715; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Jupiter's magnetosphere and surrounding space during the Voyager 1 flyby.