Thin magnetosheath as a consequence of the magnetopause deformation: THEMIS observations

Abstract

The paper presents a simultaneous observation of the bow shock and magnetopause by THEMIS probes. The spacecraft configuration reveals a significant deformation of the magnetopause surface that locally decreases its curvature radius.

The highly curved magnetopause results in the decrease of the magnetosheath thickness to about half of its standard value in a particular observation point.

Keywords

• Magnetopause deformation
• magnetosheath thickness
• magnetic field orientation