*************************** ** THE GEM MESSENGER ** *************************** Volume 19, Number 14 May 30, 2009 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Diffuse Auroral Precipitation" Focus Group at 2009 GEM Workshop ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Richard Thorne There will be four separate breakout sessions devoted to the Diffuse Auroral Precipitation Focus Group at the 2009 GEM workshop. 1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1 Tu, 23 June, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. DAP 1: " Understanding Diffuse Auroral Structure " Co-chaired by Marilla Samara (msamara@swri.edu) and Robert Michell (rmichell@swri.edu). We invite contributions relating to the wide range of observable auroral structures and their classification. Diffuse aurora contains a wide range of structures including the most fine scale features. However, the mechanisms causing structure in aurora, whether discrete or diffuse, need to be defined within a larger theoretical understanding, which requires consistency in verification resulting from observations of all types of structures. Therefore, we would like to broaden the discussion to include more than what is often deemed to be diffuse auroral structure. A main re-occurring theme is the confusion on what is actually termed diffuse aurora and most importantly how to recognize it in optical data. Topics for discussion will include: 1. Variety of auroral structure (and characteristics) observed to date with ground imagers, satellite-borne imagers and their counterparts in the in situ particle measurements. 2. Working definition of diffuse aurora: Historical context and observations. Is it ever really structureless? 3. Current knowledge of what these diffuse auroral structures tell us about in situ and wave scattering processes (connection to the other 2 sessions). What future measurements and models will add to the current understanding? Input on how to further shape this session is welcome and encouraged. 2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2 Tu, 23 June, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. DAP 2: "Magnetospheric Dynamics Associated with the Diffuse Aurora" Co-chaired by Eric Donovan (edonovan@ucalgary.ca) and ... DETAILS TO COME LATER 3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3 Wed, 24 June, 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. DAP 3 "Modeling Electron Scattering Rates by ECH waves and Chorus" Co-chaired by Richard Thorne (rmt@atmos.ucla.edu) and Binbin Ni (bbni@atmos.ucla.edu). This session will examine the global morphology, spectral properties, and variability of two classes of magnetospheric plasma waves, electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) and electromagnetic whistler mode chorus plasma waves, which are capable of scattering plasma sheet electrons, leading to diffuse auroral precipitation. Theoretical calculations of pitch- angle scattering rates from each class of wave will be presented to assess their potential contribution to the global pattern of diffuse auroral precipitation. 4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4 Wed, 24 June, 1:30 – 5:00 p.m. DAP 4: "Required Inputs for Global Modeling: Plans for 2009-2010 Activities" Co-chaired by Margaret Chen (Margaret.W.Chen@aero.org) and Richard Thorne (rmt@atmos.ucla.edu) In this session we will discuss how data and theoretical scattering rates can best be implemented in future models of the global distribution of diffuse auroral precipitation. We will also outline plans and objectives for the next year of the campaign. Anyone interested in contributing to any of these sessions is encouraged to contact the relevant session chairs. +-------------------------------------------------------------------------+ |To subscribe GEM Messengers, send an e-mail to | | with the following command in the body of your e-mail message: | | subscribe gem | |To remove yourself from the mailing list, the command is: | | unsubscribe gem | | | |To broadcast a message to the GEM community, please contact Peter Chi at | | | |Please use plain text as the format of your submission. | | | |URL of GEM Home Page: http://aten.igpp.ucla.edu/GemWiki | |Workshop Information: http://www.cpe.vt.edu/gem/index.html | +-------------------------------------------------------------------------+