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Ann. Geophys., 23, 2713-2732, 2005
www.ann-geophys.net/23/2713/2005/
© European Geosciences Union 2005
The Double Star magnetic field investigation: instrument design, performance and highlights of the first year's observations
C. Carr1, P. Brown1, T. L. Zhang2, J. Gloag1, T. Horbury1, E. Lucek1, W. Magnes2, H. O'Brien1, T. Oddy1, U. Auster3, P. Austin4, O. Aydogar2, A. Balogh1, W. Baumjohann2, T. Beek1, H. Eichelberger2, K.-H. Fornacon3, E. Georgescu5, K.-H. Glassmeier3, M. Ludlam1, R. Nakamura2, and I. Richter3
1The Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London SW7 2BW, UK
2Space Research Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, A-8042 Graz, Austria
3Institut für Geophysik und extraterrestrische Physik, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany
4Ultra Electronics Signature Management Systems Ltd, Hednesford WS12 5QZ, UK
5Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, D-85748 Garching, Germany
Abstract. One of the primary objectives of the Double Star mission is the accurate
measurement of the magnetic field vector along the orbits of the two
spacecraft. The magnetic field is an essential parameter for the
understanding of space plasma processes and is also required for the
effective interpretation of data from the other instruments on the
spacecraft. We present the design of the magnetic field instrument onboard
both of the Double Star spacecraft and an overview of the performance as
measured first on-ground and then in-orbit. We also report the results of
in-flight calibration of the magnetometers, and the processing methods
employed to produce the final data products which are provided to Double Star
investigators, and the wider community in general. Particular attention
is paid to the techniques developed for removing magnetic interference
generated by the solar arrays on the first (equatorial orbiting) spacecraft.
Results from the first year of operations are reviewed in the context of
combined observations by Double Star and Cluster, and examples given from
the different regions visited by the spacecraft to date.
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