Walker-Ogino MHD Simulation - Field Lines

Magnetic field lines from a global magnetohydrodynamic simulation of the interaction of the solar wind with Jupiter's magnetosphere. In this theoretical model of the jovian magnetosphere the solar wind flows from the left and interacts with Jupiter's rapidly rotating magnetosphere. This figure shows a large scale view Jupiter's magnetic field lines. They have been color coded to indicate the magnetic field configuration. Green field lines have both ends connected to Jupiter while blue field lines are open with one end in Jupiter and one end attached to the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). The yellow field lines in the long magnetotail of Jupiter have both ends attached to the IMF. They were formed by the process of magnetic reconnection in the tail of Jupiter. The red field lines close on themselves and represent magnetic O regions. The size units are jovian radii (~70,000 km). The Galileo spacecraft will provide observations throughout much of this region of space. Observations from Galileo will be used to improve the theoretical model. The model was developed by Tatsuki Ogino, Raymond Walker and Margaret Kivelson.