EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Whipple 1976
Whipple, E.C. (1976). Observation of photoelectrons and secondary electrons reflected from a potential barrier in the vicinity of ATS 6. Journal of Geophysical Research 81: doi: 10.1029/JA081i004p00715. issn: 0148-0227.

The electron detectors on ATS 6 frequently have peaks in the counting rate at low energies from 4 to 10 eV in addition to other peaks at much higher energies. It is shown from the shape of the corresponding velocity distribution functions, the inferred electron densities, and the behavior of the counting rate versus angle that the low-energy electrons must at times be photoelectrons or secondary electrons emitted from the spacecraft. The Data indicate the presence of a potential barrier in the spacecraft environment which is as much as 50 V negative with respect to the spacecraft. The barrier turns back the low-energy spacecraft-emitted electrons and prevents the low-energy ambient electrons from reaching the detector. It is argued that the magnitude of the observed barrier is too large to be explained in terms of a simple photoelectron or secondary electron sheath around a uniformly charged spacecraft. The most likely explanation is the presence of differential charging of the spacecraft surfaces.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
http://www.agu.org/journals/jb/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit