Voyager 2 Jupiter Plasma Science: Derived Ion Density, 96-Second Data

Voyager 2 spacecraft data provides derived ion density estimates from Jupiter's magnetosphere, measured in particles per cubic centimeter (cm^-3). The dataset, produced by NASA, contains time-series data with a 96-second sampling interval, processed to Level 5. The analysis method is described in McNutt et al., 1981, with corrections applied for sensor effective area.

Use Cases

• Analyzing temporal variations in ion density within Jupiter's magnetosphere based on the 96-second time-series data.
• Studying plasma flow conditions in high Mach number regimes based on the described measurement method.
• Comparing derived ion moments with other Voyager instrument data or models based on the L=17.5 boundary parameter.
• Investigating data quality and estimation uncertainty in the outer magnetosphere based on the described potential factor-of-2 underestimates.

Strengths

• Data is derived using a published, peer-reviewed method (McNutt et al., 1981).
• Dataset is a processed, versioned product (Version 1.1) archived with the Planetary Data System (PDS).
• Specific correction factors (1.209 and 0.9617) are documented for side and main sensor densities.

Limitations

• Absolute densities may be underestimated by a factor of 2 in the outer magnetosphere, as stated in the description.
• The method's accuracy is limited to high Mach number flows directly into the detector.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred from the description after download.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Derived from Voyager 2 Plasma Science (PLS) instrument measurements using the method of McNutt et al., 1981.

Time Range

Covers the Voyager 2 encounter with Jupiter. Specific dates are not provided in the input.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 14:05:04.581822; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Jupiter's magnetosphere, with a noted boundary at L=17.5.