The dipole model of the Earth's magnetic field is a first order approximation of the rather complex true Earth's magnetic field. Due to effects of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), and the solar wind, the dipole model is particularly inaccurate at high L-shells (e.g., above L=3), but may be a good approximation for lower L-shells. For more precise work, or for any work at higher L-shells, a more accurate model that incorporates solar effects, such as the Tsyganenko magnetic field model, is recommended.

Formulation

The following equations describe the dipole magnetic field. First, define B_0 as the mean value of the magnetic field at the magnetic equator on the Earth's surface. Typically. Then, the radial and latitudinal fields can be described as where R_E is the mean radius of the Earth (approximately 6370 km), r is the radial distance from the center of the Earth (using the same units as used for R_E), and \theta is the colatitude measured from the north magnetic pole (or geomagnetic pole).

Alternative formulation

It is sometimes more convenient to express the magnetic field in terms of magnetic latitude and distance in Earth radii. The magnetic latitude (MLAT), or geomagnetic latitude, \lambda is measured northwards from the equator (analogous to geographic latitude) and is related to the colatitude \theta by In this case, the radial and latitudinal components of the magnetic field (the latter still in the \theta direction, measured from the axis of the north pole) are given by where R in this case has units of Earth radii (R = r/R_E).

Invariant latitude

Invariant latitude is a parameter that describes where a particular magnetic field line touches the surface of the Earth. It is given by or where \Lambda is the invariant latitude and L is the L-shell describing the magnetic field line in question. On the surface of the earth, the invariant latitude (\Lambda) is equal to the magnetic latitude (\lambda).