Short large-amplitude magnetic structures (SLAMS) at Venus
Coates, A. J.; Barabash, S.; Zhang, T. L.; Wilson, L. B., III; Moore, T. E.; Sibeck, D. G.; Collinson, G. A.; Shane, N.
United States, United Kingdom, Austria, Sweden
Abstract
We present the first observation of magnetic fluctuations consistent with short large-amplitude magnetic structures (SLAMS) in the foreshock of the planet Venus. Three monolithic magnetic field spikes were observed by the Venus Express on 11 April 2009. The structures were ∼1.5-11 s in duration, had magnetic compression ratios between ∼3 and 6, and exhibited elliptical polarization. These characteristics are consistent with the SLAMS observed at Earth, Jupiter, and Comet Giacobini-Zinner, and thus we hypothesize that it is possible SLAMS may be found at any celestial body with a foreshock.