The orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz component plays a vital role driving global geospace dynamics. While the Earth’s magnetospheric response to southward IMF (-Bz) conditions is relatively well understood, the same cannot be said for the drastically different case of northward IMF (+Bz). Northward IMF dynamics have been associated with distinctive auroral signatures where aurora occur inside the main oval, including transpolar arcs, horse collar auroras, cusp-aligned arcs and long-duration cusp-spots. Our current understanding of these phenomena suggests they are indicative of magneto-plasma interactions in the magnetosphere.
However, many open questions remain including the role of high latitude dayside magnetic reconnection in closing magnetospheric flux, the impacts of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities and diffusive processes along the magnetotail flanks.
Discussions on these aurora features, high-latitude magnetopause interactions, alongside those in the magnetotail and the dayside magnetosphere, are within the scope of this meeting when related to northward IMF conditions. This Specialist Discussion Meeting will provide a formal platform to share our current understanding of the magnetosphere under northward IMF. The meeting will consist of presentations in the morning, followed by a structured discussion session in the afternoon. Thus, providing a forum to share our current understanding and engage with diverse perspectives across the field. This will enable us to identify gaps in our collective knowledge, share ideas to maximise impacts of SMILE data, and establish collaborations for future research avenues and opportunities.
Schedule
10:00 - 10:30 Coffee
10:30 - 13:00 Morning Session - presentations
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
14:00 - 15:30 Afternoon Session- Discussion
15:30 - 16:00 Tea Posters to be displayed during Lunch
Organisers:
Dr Gemma E Bower, University of Leicester
Nawapat Kaweeyanun, University of Southampton
Dr Mooney Michaela, University of Leicester
Jade Reidy, British Antarctic Survey