Introduction Plasmagram records


Observing a Whistler echo

Constant ranges that correspond to multiples of the proton gyroperiod and low frequencies are the key features of the whistler-mode echoes. Unlike mid-altitude echoes and resonances, Whistler echoes occur in frequencies that allow the propagation of electromagnetic waves. Whistler echoes, however, are also believed to be caused by the excitation of the local plasma and not by propagating waves. The fact that it does occur in a propagating range, however, does make it more difficult to observe Whistler echoes. Waves from transmitters on earth, as well as, natural plasma emissions result in a large amount of noise that interferes with the observation of Whistler echoes.

Given that they are a low altitude and low frequency phenomenon, Whistler echoes were mainly detected in program 38 and program 63. Both program 38 and 63 send a 3.2 ms pulse at each frequency and sweep in steps of 300 Hz from 6 to 62 and 7 to 19.9 kHz respectively. Unfortunately, programs 38 and 63 are seldom run at low altitudes and as such most Whistler echo were limited to October and November of 2001 and August of 2004. Due to the lack of frequency with which programs 38 and 63 are run at low altitudes and the high levels of noise in the whistler-mode, Whistler echoes are not as prevalent as mid-range echoes and resonances.

Studies performed in the Summer of 2006

series of mid-altitude echoes

(a) Echo observed on August 15, 2004 at 21:59:55. The value of fpe is 185 kHz. (b) Echoes observed on August 15, 2004 at 22:16:38. The value of fpe is 208 kHz. (c) Echoes observed on August 15, 2004 at 22:23:55. The value of fpe is 227 kHz.


.............................................................................................

Records of Whistler echoes

September 2000
October 2000
November 2000
December 2000
January 2001
February 2001
March 2001
October 2001
November 2001
November 2002
August 2004
March 2005
April 2005
May 2005
June 2005
July 2005
August 2005