Bow shock as a power source for magnetospheric processes

The front of the bow shock (BS) is the region where the parameters of the solar wind (SW) undergo strong changes, especially in the “nose” part. The particle number density and the intensity of the tangential component of the magnetic field increase approximately by a factor of 4 behind the front, the normal velocity component decreases by the same factor. If almost all SW energy before the front is concentrated in the progressive motion, then behind the front it is concentrated in the energy of compressed gas and magnetic field. In the paper the analysis of the electric current generated at the BS front is given and estimations of electric potential changes along the front are represented. Electric potential difference on magnetopause is determined as well. It is shown that the current along the front is divergent and its part must be closed in the transition layer (TL) or through the magnetosphere body. All calculations have been made for a wave of random orientation and intensity, but without magnetic shear. It is concluded that according to all parameters MHD generator of electric power in BS front meets the requirements made on the power source for magnetospheric processes.