AURORAL RESEARCH

An auroral substorm, unique in that it occurred at the relatively low latitude of SANAE, is described based on the full range of observation al techniques at SANAE together with satellite data. Some features fit the generally accepted picture of substorms, others do not. From grou nd-based television imagery of Giant Undulations the temporal evolutio n of their dynamics is obtained and possible theories for their extist ence examined. Super fast auroral waves, with speeds of up to 1200 km s(-1), have been observed for the first time. Their characteristics ca n not, as yet, be accounted for by a single generation mechanism. The potential value of simultaneous recordings of aurorae by television an d riometer is discussed.