Multipole Analysis. I. Theory, and Geomagnetic Multipoles 1965·0

Abstract

A reduction of order procedure is outlined which allows virtually any order multipole analysis for a general spherical surface harmonic to be rapidly carried out. The geomagnetic multipoles, to order eight, are found for the epoch 1965· 0 and the theory is used to obtain the spherical harmonic coefficients when the dipole axis is chosen as polar axis.