Planetary magnetotails: Magnetic configuration and nonthermal plasma

This dissertation examines three aspects of planetary magnetotails: time averaged structure, interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) induced changes in structure, and relationship of the magnetic structure to the non thermal plasma component. In Chapter 2 we present images of the time averaged shape terrestrial magnetotail. Using these images we model the neutral sheet and magnetopause and apply these models to the uranian magnetotail. Having presented models of the time averaged shape of planetary magnetotails in Chapter 2, in Chapter 3 we use the same imaging technique to examine the effect of the IMF on the structure of the tail. During periods of southward IMF we find changes in the tail consistent with substorm growth phase. We find the neutral sheet rotates in response to the...