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.