Numerical Model for the propagation of Alfven Waves produced by Jupiter's moon Io

Abstract

We present first results from a new numerical model to describe the propagation of these Alfvén waves in the Io-Jupiter system. The model is cast in magnetic dipole coordinates and includes a dense plasma torus that is centered around the centrifugal equator. Results are presented for two density models, showing the dependence of the interaction on the magnetospheric density. The effect of the conductance of Jupiter’s ionosphere is considered. A model for the development of parallel electric fields is introduced, indicating that the main auroral footprints of Io can generated parallel potentials of up to 100 kV.