On the linear mirror mode threshold in high-β space plasma
Abstract
The linear threshold condition of the mirror mode including weak drift and finite Larmor radius effects is analysed and shown that it can be given to arbitrary precision in closed analytical form. Combined with observations of mirror modes in the magnetosheath it is shown that only magnetic `dips' are produced by the mirror instability. A semi-experimental (non-linear) threshold condition is derived from the data. The occasionally observed so-called `peaks' cannot be attributed to mirror modes. They result probably from nonlinear evolution of the compressive fast mode.
Turn this paper into a lesson
ArcXiv compiles a structured reading guide from this paper's metadata: plain-English importance, contributions, prerequisite concepts, which sections to read first, flashcards, and a quiz. Grounded in the abstract, never invented.