The magnetosphere of Jupiter: Coupling the equator to the poles

Jupiter is a planet of superlatives: the most massive planet in the solar system, rotates the fastest, has the strongest magnetic field, and has the most massive satellite system of any planet. These unique properties lead to volcanoes oil to and a population of energetic plasma trapped in the magnetic field that provides a physical link between the satellites, particularly to, and the planet Jupiter. There are strong differences between the magnetospheres of Earth and Jupiter but there are also underlying basic physical principles that all magnetospheres share in common. This paper provides a rough sketch of the magnetosphere of Jupiter, briefly describes the current understanding and lists outstanding issues. As at Earth, a major issue of the jovian system is how the tnagnctospheric plasma is coupled to the planet's ionosphere. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.