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L or L shell

Standard

ECSS-E-ST-10-04C Rev.1

Definition

parameter of the geomagnetic field, often used to describe positions in near-Earth space

Notes

  • NOTE L or L shell has a complicated derivation based on an invariant of the motion of charged particles in the terrestrial magnetic field (see Annex E). However, it is useful in defining plasma regimes within the magnetosphere because, for a dipole magnetic field, it is equal to the geocentric altitude in Earth-radii of the local magnetic field line where it crosses the equator.

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