Table C-1: Parameters in different regions in space
|
Plasma region |
(m-3) |
(eV) |
(m) |
|
Interstellar |
106 |
10-1 |
1 |
|
Solar corona |
1013 |
1 - 102 |
10-2 – 10-3 |
|
Solar wind |
103 - 109 |
1 - 102 |
1 - 102 |
|
Magnetosphere |
106 - 1010 |
10 - 103 |
1 - 102 |
|
Ionosphere |
108 - 1012 |
10-1 |
10-1 - 10-3 |
Note that the energy unit of the electron volt (eV) is widely used to express the temperature (kT) of a space plasma (hence 1 eV = 11605 K). Note also that photoelectrons or secondary particles from the spacecraft can change the properties of the plasma near the spacecraft. The plasma in these regions is dynamic and values outside of those given in Table C-1 can occur.