Extraterrestrial Magnetic Fields: Achievements and Opportunities

The major scientific achievements associated with the measurement of magnetic fields in space over the past decade and a half are reviewed. Aspects of space technology relevant to magnetic-field observations are discussed, including the different types of magnetometers used and how they operate, problems arising from spacecraft-generated magnetic fields and the appropriate countermeasures that have been developed and on-board processing of magnetometer data. The scientific discussion is restricted to only the major achievements; however, all the major topics are covered, specifically: the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field, the Earth's magnetic field in space, the interaction of the solar wind with the planets, planetary magnetic fields, and the permanent magnetic fields of the Moon. A brief description is also included of future missions now scheduled for launch which should contribute significantly to the understanding of extraterrestrial magnetic fields. A fairly complete bibliography is included which lists original contributions as well as more recent publications and review articles.