Multi-point study of the magnetotail current sheet

Abstract

This review summarizes the magnetotail current sheet observations by the Cluster spacecraft during July-October 2001. Due to four-point measurements and the tetrahedron configuration of the spacecraft constellation we are able to separate spatial and temporal variations and to estimate gradients and characteristic scales of structures in the current sheet. We discuss the following topics: (i) magnetotail current sheet flapping, (ii) the structure of the current sheet, and (iii) magnetotail reconnection.