Bibliography

A novel technique for rapid L* calculation: algorithm and implementation

Computing the magnetic drift invariant, L*, rapidly and accurately has always been a challenge to magnetospheric modelers, especially given the im- portance of this quantity in the radiation belt community. Min et al. (2013) proposed a new method of calculating L* using the principle of energy con- servation. Continuing with the approach outlined therein, the present pa- per focuses on the technical details of the algorithm to outline the implemen- tation, systematic analysis of accuracy, and verification of the speed of the new method. We also show new improvements which enable near real-time computation of L*. The relative error is on the order of 10-3 when \~ 0.1 RE grid resolution is used and the calculation speed is about two seconds per particle in the popular Tsyganenko and Sitnov 05 model (TS05). Based on the application examples, we suggest that this method could be an added resource for the radiation belt community.

Min, Kyungguk; Bortnik, J.; Lee, Jeongwoo;

Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research Published on: 05/2013

YEAR: 2013 DOI: 10.1002/jgra.50250

calculating L*; rapid L* calculation; RBSP; Van Allen Probes

Characteristic dimension of electromagnetic ion cyclotron wave activity in the magnetosphere

[1] In this paper, we estimate the size of coherent activity of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves using the multi-spacecraft observations made during the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) mission. We calculate the cross-correlations between EMIC wave powers measured by different THEMIS spacecraft, plot them over the separation distances between pairs of observing spacecraft, and determine the 1/e folding distance of the correlations as the characteristic dimension of the coherent wave activity. The characteristic radius in the direction transverse to the local magnetic field is found to lie in rather a wide range of 1500\textendash8600 km varying from the AM to PM sectors and also from hydrogen to helium bands. However, the characteristic dimensions normalized by either gyroradius or wavelength fall into narrower ranges almost independent of the emission band and event location. Specifically, the coherent dimension is found to be 10\textendash16 times gyroradius of 100 keV protons and 2\textendash3 times local wavelength. The former may give a useful scale for the source dimension, and the latter suggests that the EMIC wave activity maintains coherency only up to a couple of wavelengths.

Lee, Jeongwoo; Min, Kyungguk; Kim, Kap-Sung;

Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 04/2013

YEAR: 2013 DOI: 10.1002/jgra.50242

EMIC wave powers; RBSP; THEMIS; Van Allen Probes

A novel technique for rapid L* calculation using UBK coordinates

[1] The magnetic drift invariant (L*) is an important quantity used for tracking and organizing particle dynamics in the radiation belts, but its accurate calculation has been computationally expensive in the past, thus making it difficult to employ this quantity in real-time space weather applications. In this paper, we propose a new, efficient method to calculate L* using the principle of energy conservation. This method uses Whipple\textquoterights (U, B, K) coordinates to quickly and accurately determine trajectories of particles at the magnetic mirror point from two-dimensional isoenergy contours. The method works for any magnetic field configuration and is able to accommodate constant electric potential along field lines. We compare the result of this method with those of International Radiation Belt Environment Modeling library (IRBEM-LIB) to demonstrate the performance of this new method. The method requires a preparation step, and thus may not be the optimal method for a single trajectory calculation; however, it presents a huge performance gain when adiabatically propagating a large population of particles in a given magnetic field configuration.

Min, Kyungguk; Bortnik, J.; Lee, Jeongwoo;

Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research Published on: 01/2013

YEAR: 2013 DOI: 10.1029/2012JA018177

Generalized L value; L star; RBSP; Van Allen Probes

Rapid acceleration of protons upstream of earthward propagating dipolarization fronts

[1] Transport and acceleration of ions in the magnetotail largely occurs in the form of discrete impulsive events associated with a steep increase of the tail magnetic field normal to the neutral plane (Bz), which are referred to as dipolarization fronts. The goal of this paper is to investigate how protons initially located upstream of earthward moving fronts are accelerated at their encounter. According to our analytical analysis and simplified two-dimensional test-particle simulations of equatorially mirroring particles, there are two regimes of proton acceleration: trapping and quasi-trapping, which are realized depending on whether the front is preceded by a negative depletion in Bz. We then use three-dimensional test-particle simulations to investigate how these acceleration processes operate in a realistic magnetotail geometry. For this purpose we construct an analytical model of the front which is superimposed onto the ambient field of the magnetotail. According to our numerical simulations, both trapping and quasi-trapping can produce rapid acceleration of protons by more than an order of magnitude. In the case of trapping, the acceleration levels depend on the amount of time particles stay in phase with the front which is controlled by the magnetic field curvature ahead of the front and the front width. Quasi-trapping does not cause particle scattering out of the equatorial plane. Energization levels in this case are limited by the number of encounters particles have with the front before they get magnetized behind it.

Ukhorskiy, A; Sitnov, M.; Merkin, V.; Artemyev, A.;

Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 01/2013

YEAR: 2013 DOI: 10.1002/jgra.50452

Rapid acceleration of protons upstream of earthward propagating dipolarization fronts

[1] Transport and acceleration of ions in the magnetotail largely occurs in the form of discrete impulsive events associated with a steep increase of the tail magnetic field normal to the neutral plane (Bz), which are referred to as dipolarization fronts. The goal of this paper is to investigate how protons initially located upstream of earthward moving fronts are accelerated at their encounter. According to our analytical analysis and simplified two-dimensional test-particle simulations of equatorially mirroring particles, there are two regimes of proton acceleration: trapping and quasi-trapping, which are realized depending on whether the front is preceded by a negative depletion in Bz. We then use three-dimensional test-particle simulations to investigate how these acceleration processes operate in a realistic magnetotail geometry. For this purpose we construct an analytical model of the front which is superimposed onto the ambient field of the magnetotail. According to our numerical simulations, both trapping and quasi-trapping can produce rapid acceleration of protons by more than an order of magnitude. In the case of trapping, the acceleration levels depend on the amount of time particles stay in phase with the front which is controlled by the magnetic field curvature ahead of the front and the front width. Quasi-trapping does not cause particle scattering out of the equatorial plane. Energization levels in this case are limited by the number of encounters particles have with the front before they get magnetized behind it.

Ukhorskiy, A; Sitnov, M.; Merkin, V.; Artemyev, A.;

Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 01/2013

YEAR: 2013 DOI: 10.1002/jgra.50452

Energetic radiation belt electron precipitation showing ULF modulation

1] The energization and loss processes for energetic radiation belt electrons are not yet well understood. Ultra Low Frequency (ULF) waves have been correlated with both enhancement in outer zone radiation belt electron flux and modulation of precipitation loss to the atmosphere. This study considers the effects of ULF waves in the Pc-4 to Pc-5 period range (45 s\textendash600 s) on electron loss to the atmosphere on a time scale of several minutes. Global simulations using magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model fields as drivers provide a valuable tool for studying the dynamics of these \~MeV energetic particles. ACE satellite measurements of the MHD solar wind parameters are used as the upstream boundary condition for the Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry (LFM) 3D MHD code calculation of fields, used to drive electrons in a 3D test particle simulation that keeps track of attributes like energy, pitch-angle and L-shell. The simulation results are compared with balloon observations obtained during the January 21, 2005 CME-shock event. Rapid loss of 20 keV to 1.5 MeV electrons was detected by balloon-borne measurements ofbremsstrahlungX-rays during the MINIS campaign following the shock arrival at Earth. The global precipitation response of the radiation belts to this CME-shock driven storm was investigated focusing on their interaction with ULF waves. A primary cause for the precipitation modulation seen in both the simulation and the MINIS campaign is suggested based on the lowering of mirror points due to compressional magnetic field oscillations.

Brito, T.; Woodger, L.; Hudson, M.; MILLAN, R;

Published by: Geophysical Research Letters Published on: 11/2012

YEAR: 2012 DOI: 10.1029/2012GL053790

Charged particle motion and acceleration; Energetic particles: precipitating; Radiation belts; wave-particle interactions

Design, Fabrication, and Testing of the Radiation Belt Storm Probes Propulsion Systems

The Radiation Belt Storm Probes spacecraft , part of NASA\textquoterights Living with a Star program, are scheduled for launch into Earth orbit in August 2012. 1,2,3 The twin spacecraft possess identical blowdown monopropellant hydrazine propulsion systems to provide spinup/spindown, precession, Delt a\textendashV, and deorbit capability. Each spacecraft manifests eight Aerojet 0.2 lbf (0.9 N) MR\textendash103G thrust ers, three ARD\ E Inconel 718 propellant tanks, and other components required to control the fl ow of propellant and monitor system health and performance. The propulsion systems were fabricated and installed by Aerojet Redmond and subsequently tested at the Jo hns Hopkins University / Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD. The test se quence at APL included thermal balance; end\textendash to\textendashend phasing; leak and functional; mass properties; water load (as a propellant simulant); water\textendashloaded vibration and acoustic testing; water offload; and thermal vacuum operations. This paper will document the design of th e propulsion system, component selection challenges faced, and system\textendashl evel tests performed prior to propellant load and launch.

Bushman, Stewart;

Published by: Published on: 08/2012

YEAR: 2012 DOI: 10.2514/6.2012-4332

Global distribution of EMIC waves derived from THEMIS observations

[1] Electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves play an important role in magnetospheric dynamics and their global distribution has been of great interest. This paper presents the distribution of EMIC waves over a broader range than ever before, as enabled by observations with the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) spacecraft from 2007 to 2010. Our major findings are: (1) There are two major peaks in the EMIC wave occurrence probability. One is at dusk and 8\textendash12 RE where the helium band dominates the hydrogen band waves. The other is at dawn and 10\textendash12 RE where the hydrogen band dominates the helium band waves. (2) In terms of wave spectral power the dusk events are stronger (≈10 nT2/Hz) than the dawn events (≈3 nT2/Hz). (3) The dawn waves have large normal angles (>45) in the hydrogen band and even larger normal angles

Min, Kyungguk; Lee, Jeongwoo; Keika, Kunihiro; Li, W.;

Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research Published on: 05/2012

YEAR: 2012 DOI: 10.1029/2012JA017515

EMIC wave occurrence; EMIC waves; plasma waves; RBSP; Van Allen Probes

Radiation Belt Storm Probe Spacecraft and Impact of Environment on Spacecraft Design

NASA\textquoterights Radiation Belt Storm Probe (RBSP) is an Earth-orbiting mission scheduled to launch in September 2012 and is the next science mission in NASA\textquoterights Living with a Star Program. The RBSP mission will investigate, characterize and understand the physical dynamics of the radiation belts, and the influence of the sun on the earth\textquoterights environment, by measuring particles, electric and magnetic fields and waves that comprise the geospace. The mission is composed of two identically instrumented spinning spacecraft in an elliptical orbit around earth from 600 km perigee to 30,000 km apogee at 10 degree inclination to provide full sampling of the Van Allen radiation belts. The twin spacecraft will follow slightly different orbits and will lap each other 4 times per year; this offers simultaneous measurements over a range of spacecraft separation distances. A description of the spacecraft environment is provided along with spacecraft and subsystem key characteristics and accommodations that protect sensitive spacecraft electronics and support operations in the harsh radiation belt environment.

Kirby, Karen; Bushman, Stewart; Butler, Michael; Conde, Rich; Fretz, Kristen; Herrmann, Carl; Hill, Adrian; Maurer, Richard; Nichols, Richard; Ottman, Geffrey; Reid, Mark; Rogers, Gabe; Srinivasan, Dipak; Troll, John; Williams, Bruce;

Published by: Published on: 03/2012

YEAR: 2012 DOI: 10.1109/AERO.2012.6187020

Radiation Belt Storm Probe Spacecraft and Impact of Environment on Spacecraft Design

NASA\textquoterights Radiation Belt Storm Probe (RBSP) is an Earth-orbiting mission scheduled to launch in September 2012 and is the next science mission in NASA\textquoterights Living with a Star Program. The RBSP mission will investigate, characterize and understand the physical dynamics of the radiation belts, and the influence of the sun on the earth\textquoterights environment, by measuring particles, electric and magnetic fields and waves that comprise the geospace. The mission is composed of two identically instrumented spinning spacecraft in an elliptical orbit around earth from 600 km perigee to 30,000 km apogee at 10 degree inclination to provide full sampling of the Van Allen radiation belts. The twin spacecraft will follow slightly different orbits and will lap each other 4 times per year; this offers simultaneous measurements over a range of spacecraft separation distances. A description of the spacecraft environment is provided along with spacecraft and subsystem key characteristics and accommodations that protect sensitive spacecraft electronics and support operations in the harsh radiation belt environment.

Kirby, Karen; Bushman, Stewart; Butler, Michael; Conde, Rich; Fretz, Kristen; Herrmann, Carl; Hill, Adrian; Maurer, Richard; Nichols, Richard; Ottman, Geffrey; Reid, Mark; Rogers, Gabe; Srinivasan, Dipak; Troll, John; Williams, Bruce;

Published by: Published on: 03/2012

YEAR: 2012 DOI: 10.1109/AERO.2012.6187020

Radiation Belt Storm Probe Spacecraft and Impact of Environment on Spacecraft Design

NASA\textquoterights Radiation Belt Storm Probe (RBSP) is an Earth-orbiting mission scheduled to launch in September 2012 and is the next science mission in NASA\textquoterights Living with a Star Program. The RBSP mission will investigate, characterize and understand the physical dynamics of the radiation belts, and the influence of the sun on the earth\textquoterights environment, by measuring particles, electric and magnetic fields and waves that comprise the geospace. The mission is composed of two identically instrumented spinning spacecraft in an elliptical orbit around earth from 600 km perigee to 30,000 km apogee at 10 degree inclination to provide full sampling of the Van Allen radiation belts. The twin spacecraft will follow slightly different orbits and will lap each other 4 times per year; this offers simultaneous measurements over a range of spacecraft separation distances. A description of the spacecraft environment is provided along with spacecraft and subsystem key characteristics and accommodations that protect sensitive spacecraft electronics and support operations in the harsh radiation belt environment.

Kirby, Karen; Bushman, Stewart; Butler, Michael; Conde, Rich; Fretz, Kristen; Herrmann, Carl; Hill, Adrian; Maurer, Richard; Nichols, Richard; Ottman, Geffrey; Reid, Mark; Rogers, Gabe; Srinivasan, Dipak; Troll, John; Williams, Bruce;

Published by: Published on: 03/2012

YEAR: 2012 DOI: 10.1109/AERO.2012.6187020

Radiation Belt Storm Probe Spacecraft and Impact of Environment on Spacecraft Design

NASA\textquoterights Radiation Belt Storm Probe (RBSP) is an Earth-orbiting mission scheduled to launch in September 2012 and is the next science mission in NASA\textquoterights Living with a Star Program. The RBSP mission will investigate, characterize and understand the physical dynamics of the radiation belts, and the influence of the sun on the earth\textquoterights environment, by measuring particles, electric and magnetic fields and waves that comprise the geospace. The mission is composed of two identically instrumented spinning spacecraft in an elliptical orbit around earth from 600 km perigee to 30,000 km apogee at 10 degree inclination to provide full sampling of the Van Allen radiation belts. The twin spacecraft will follow slightly different orbits and will lap each other 4 times per year; this offers simultaneous measurements over a range of spacecraft separation distances. A description of the spacecraft environment is provided along with spacecraft and subsystem key characteristics and accommodations that protect sensitive spacecraft electronics and support operations in the harsh radiation belt environment.

Kirby, Karen; Bushman, Stewart; Butler, Michael; Conde, Rich; Fretz, Kristen; Herrmann, Carl; Hill, Adrian; Maurer, Richard; Nichols, Richard; Ottman, Geffrey; Reid, Mark; Rogers, Gabe; Srinivasan, Dipak; Troll, John; Williams, Bruce;

Published by: Published on: 03/2012

YEAR: 2012 DOI: 10.1109/AERO.2012.6187020

Radiation Belt Storm Probe Spacecraft and Impact of Environment on Spacecraft Design

NASA\textquoterights Radiation Belt Storm Probe (RBSP) is an Earth-orbiting mission scheduled to launch in September 2012 and is the next science mission in NASA\textquoterights Living with a Star Program. The RBSP mission will investigate, characterize and understand the physical dynamics of the radiation belts, and the influence of the sun on the earth\textquoterights environment, by measuring particles, electric and magnetic fields and waves that comprise the geospace. The mission is composed of two identically instrumented spinning spacecraft in an elliptical orbit around earth from 600 km perigee to 30,000 km apogee at 10 degree inclination to provide full sampling of the Van Allen radiation belts. The twin spacecraft will follow slightly different orbits and will lap each other 4 times per year; this offers simultaneous measurements over a range of spacecraft separation distances. A description of the spacecraft environment is provided along with spacecraft and subsystem key characteristics and accommodations that protect sensitive spacecraft electronics and support operations in the harsh radiation belt environment.

Kirby, Karen; Bushman, Stewart; Butler, Michael; Conde, Rich; Fretz, Kristen; Herrmann, Carl; Hill, Adrian; Maurer, Richard; Nichols, Richard; Ottman, Geffrey; Reid, Mark; Rogers, Gabe; Srinivasan, Dipak; Troll, John; Williams, Bruce;

Published by: Published on: 03/2012

YEAR: 2012 DOI: 10.1109/AERO.2012.6187020

Weak turbulence in the magnetosphere: Formation of whistler wave cavity by nonlinear scattering

We consider the weak turbulence of whistler waves in the in low-β inner magnetosphere of the earth. Whistler waves, originating in the ionosphere, propagate radially outward and can trigger nonlinear induced scattering by thermal electrons provided the wave energy density is large enough. Nonlinear scattering can substantially change the direction of the wave vector of whistler waves and hence the direction of energy flux with only a small change in the frequency. A portion of whistler waves return to the ionosphere with a smaller perpendicular wave vector resulting in diminished linear damping and enhanced ability to pitch-angle scatter trapped electrons. In addition, a portion of the scatteredwave packets can be reflected near the ionosphere back into the magnetosphere. Through multiple nonlinear scatterings and ionospheric reflections a long-lived wavecavity containing turbulent whistler waves can be formed with the appropriate properties to efficiently pitch-angle scatter trapped electrons. The primary consequence on the earth\textquoterights radiation belts is to reduce the lifetime of the trapped electron population.

Crabtree, C.; Rudakov, L.; Ganguli, G.; Mithaiwala, M.; Galinsky, V.; Shevchenko, V.;

Published by: Physics of Plasmas Published on: 01/2012

YEAR: 2012 DOI: 10.1063/1.3692092

Whistler waves; Magnetosphere

Radiation belt storm probes: Resolving fundamental physics with practical consequences

The fundamental processes that energize, transport, and cause the loss of charged particles operate throughout the universe at locations as diverse as magnetized planets, the solar wind, our Sun, and other stars. The same processes operate within our immediate environment, the Earth\textquoterights radiation belts. The Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) mission will provide coordinated two-spacecraft observations to obtain understanding of these fundamental processes controlling the dynamic variability of the near-Earth radiation environment. In this paper we discuss some of the profound mysteries of the radiation belt physics that will be addressed by RBSP and briefly describe the mission and its goals.

Ukhorskiy, Aleksandr; Mauk, Barry; Fox, Nicola; Sibeck, David; Grebowsky, Joseph;

Published by: Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics Published on: 07/2011

YEAR: 2011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jastp.2010.12.005

Radiation belts; Space weather; Van Allen Probes

Understanding relativistic electron losses with BARREL

The primary scientific objective of the Balloon Array for RBSP Relativistic Electron Losses (BARREL) is to understand the processes responsible for scattering relativistic electrons into Earth\textquoterights atmosphere. BARREL is the first Living with a Star Geospace Mission of Opportunity, and will consist of two Antarctic balloon campaigns conducted in the 2012 and 2013 Austral summer seasons. During each campaign, a total of 20 small View the MathML source(\~20kg) balloon payloads will be launched, providing multi-point measurements of electron precipitation in conjunction with in situ measurements from the two RBSP spacecraft, scheduled to launch in May 2012. In this paper we outline the scientific objectives of BARREL, highlighting a few key science questions that will be addressed by BARREL in concert with other ILWS missions in order to understand loss processes in the radiation belts. A summary of observations from the 2008/2009 BARREL test flight is also presented. Electron precipitation was observed during a geomagnetic storm on February 14\textendash18, 2009. This storm, though relatively weak (Dst=-36 nT), was remarkably effective in increasing the trapped electron population.

Millan, R.M.;

Published by: Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics Published on: 07/2011

YEAR: 2011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jastp.2011.01.006

inner magnetosphere; precipitation; Radiation belts; relativistic electrons; Van Allen Probes; wave-particle interactions

Chorus wave generation near the dawnside magnetopause due to drift shell splitting of substorm-injected electrons

We study the relationship between the electron injection and the chorus waves during a substorm event on 23 March 2007. The chorus waves were detected at high geomagnetic latitude (\~70\textdegreeS) Antarctic observatories in the range of 0600\textendash0900 h in magnetic local time (MLT). Electrons drifting from the injection event were measured by two LANL spacecraft at 0300 and 0900 MLT. The mapping of auroral brightening areas to the magnetic equator shows that the injection occurred in an MLT range of 2200\textendash2400. This estimate is consistent with observations by the THEMIS A, B, and D spacecraft (which were located at 2100 MLT and did not observe electron injections). Our backward model tracing from the magnetic equator near the dawnside magnetopause (which magnetically connects to the Antarctic observatories) also supports the deduced injection region. Since chorus waves are believed to be generated through the electron cyclotron instability by an anisotropic temperature distribution, we examine, by performing forward model tracing, whether the electrons injected during this substorm form a pancake-like pitch angle distribution when they arrive near the dawn-side magnetopause. We find that the onset time of the modeled pitch angle anisotropy is consistent with that of the observed chorus waves. We conclude that the development of the anisotropy is due to particle drift shell splitting.

Min, Kyungguk; Lee, Jeongwoo; Keika, Kunihiro;

Published by: American Geophysical Union Published on: 10/2010

YEAR: 2010 DOI: 10.1029/2010JA015474

chorus and substorm; electron drift; RBSP; Substorm Injections; Van Allen Probes

Analysis of Spinning Spacecraft with Wire Booms Part 1: Derivation of Nonlinear Dynamics

Algebraic expressions for the governing equations of motion are developed to describe a spinning spacecraft with flexible appendages. Two limiting cases are investigated: appendages that are self-restoring and appendages that require spacecraft motion to restore. Solar panels have sufficient root stiffness to self-restore perturbations. Radial wire antennae have little intrinsic root stiffness and require centripetal acceleration from spacecraft rotations to restore perturbations. External forces applied for attitude corrections can displace spacecraft appendages from their steady-state position. The Radiation Belt Storm Probe (RBSP) satellite is used as an example to explore numerical results for several maneuvers.

Kemp, Brian; McGee, Timothy; Shankar, Uday;

Published by: Published on: 08/2009

YEAR: 2009 DOI: 10.2514/6.2009-6202

Analysis of Spinning Spacecraft with Wire Booms Part 1: Derivation of Nonlinear Dynamics

Algebraic expressions for the governing equations of motion are developed to describe a spinning spacecraft with flexible appendages. Two limiting cases are investigated: appendages that are self-restoring and appendages that require spacecraft motion to restore. Solar panels have sufficient root stiffness to self-restore perturbations. Radial wire antennae have little intrinsic root stiffness and require centripetal acceleration from spacecraft rotations to restore perturbations. External forces applied for attitude corrections can displace spacecraft appendages from their steady-state position. The Radiation Belt Storm Probe (RBSP) satellite is used as an example to explore numerical results for several maneuvers.

Kemp, Brian; McGee, Timothy; Shankar, Uday;

Published by: Published on: 08/2009

YEAR: 2009 DOI: 10.2514/6.2009-6202

Analysis of Spinning Spacecraft with Wire Booms Part 2: Out-of-Plane Dynamics and Maneuvers

An analysis of the dynamics for a spin stabilized spacecraft consisting of a rigid central hub with four long exible wire booms is presented. The analysis focuses on the dynamics out of the spin plane of the spacecraft. Companion papers will focus on the derivations of the full nonlinear dynamics and analysis of the in plane dynamics. A linear analysis is used to estimate the mode shapes of the free response of the system, the e ects of various damping mechanisms on these modes, and the dynamic response of the system to various maneuvers. The results of an independent simulation of the full nonlinear dynamics of the system are also provided to support the linear analysis. While the dynamics and analysis approach presented can be applied to the general class of spin stabilized spacecraft having multiple exible wire booms, the numeric parameters studied represent those of the satellites from the Radiation Belt Storm Probe (RBSP) mission. The mission, part of NASA\textquoterights Living With a Star Geospace Program, will launch two Earth-orbiting spacecraft to investigate how populations of relativistic electrons and ions in the region known as the Radiation Belts are formed and change in response to variable inputs of energy from the Sun.

McGee, Timothy; Shankar, Uday; Kemp, Brian;

Published by: Published on: 08/2009

YEAR: 2009 DOI: 10.2514/6.2009-6203

Analysis of Spinning Spacecraft with Wire Booms Part 2: Out-of-Plane Dynamics and Maneuvers

An analysis of the dynamics for a spin stabilized spacecraft consisting of a rigid central hub with four long exible wire booms is presented. The analysis focuses on the dynamics out of the spin plane of the spacecraft. Companion papers will focus on the derivations of the full nonlinear dynamics and analysis of the in plane dynamics. A linear analysis is used to estimate the mode shapes of the free response of the system, the e ects of various damping mechanisms on these modes, and the dynamic response of the system to various maneuvers. The results of an independent simulation of the full nonlinear dynamics of the system are also provided to support the linear analysis. While the dynamics and analysis approach presented can be applied to the general class of spin stabilized spacecraft having multiple exible wire booms, the numeric parameters studied represent those of the satellites from the Radiation Belt Storm Probe (RBSP) mission. The mission, part of NASA\textquoterights Living With a Star Geospace Program, will launch two Earth-orbiting spacecraft to investigate how populations of relativistic electrons and ions in the region known as the Radiation Belts are formed and change in response to variable inputs of energy from the Sun.

McGee, Timothy; Shankar, Uday; Kemp, Brian;

Published by: Published on: 08/2009

YEAR: 2009 DOI: 10.2514/6.2009-6203

Analysis of Spinning Spacecraft with Wire Booms Part 3: Spin-Plane Dynamics, Maneuvers, and Deployment

Several science spacecraft use long wire booms as electric-field antennas and the spacecraft spins to maintain the orientation of these flexible wires. These booms account for a majority of the total spacecraft inertia while weighing only a small fraction of the total mass. The spacecraft dynamics is therefore dominated by these booms. The analysis of such spacecraft is further complicated by other flexible ap- pendages and the presence of damping in the system, both inherent in the sys- tem and from damping mechanisms deliberately added into the system. This pa- per and two companion papers analyze such spacecraft. The first of these derives the governing nonlinear equations from first principles. Under certain conditions, the dynamics neatly separate into spin-plane and out-of-plane dynamics. The sec- ond companion paper examines the out-of-plane dynamics and maneuvers. This paper examines the spin-plane dynamics of such a spin-stabilized spacecraft. It analyzes the fundamental modes and mode-shapes of the system, spin-plane ma- neuvers, and the effects of boom deployment. While this analysis is applicable to any spin-stabilized spacecraft with flexible radial booms, the analysis was driven by the needs of the Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) spacecraft currently being designed at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, as part of NASA\textquoterights \textquotedblleftLiving With a Star\textquotedblright program. This paper provides an analytical treatment of the spacecraft dynamics. These theoretical predictions are verified using fully non-linear six degree-of-freedom simulations.

Shankar, Uday; McGee, Timothy; Kemp, Brian;

Published by: Published on: 08/2009

YEAR: 2009 DOI: 10.2514/6.2009-6204

Analysis of Spinning Spacecraft with Wire Booms Part 3: Spin-Plane Dynamics, Maneuvers, and Deployment

Several science spacecraft use long wire booms as electric-field antennas and the spacecraft spins to maintain the orientation of these flexible wires. These booms account for a majority of the total spacecraft inertia while weighing only a small fraction of the total mass. The spacecraft dynamics is therefore dominated by these booms. The analysis of such spacecraft is further complicated by other flexible ap- pendages and the presence of damping in the system, both inherent in the sys- tem and from damping mechanisms deliberately added into the system. This pa- per and two companion papers analyze such spacecraft. The first of these derives the governing nonlinear equations from first principles. Under certain conditions, the dynamics neatly separate into spin-plane and out-of-plane dynamics. The sec- ond companion paper examines the out-of-plane dynamics and maneuvers. This paper examines the spin-plane dynamics of such a spin-stabilized spacecraft. It analyzes the fundamental modes and mode-shapes of the system, spin-plane ma- neuvers, and the effects of boom deployment. While this analysis is applicable to any spin-stabilized spacecraft with flexible radial booms, the analysis was driven by the needs of the Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) spacecraft currently being designed at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, as part of NASA\textquoterights \textquotedblleftLiving With a Star\textquotedblright program. This paper provides an analytical treatment of the spacecraft dynamics. These theoretical predictions are verified using fully non-linear six degree-of-freedom simulations.

Shankar, Uday; McGee, Timothy; Kemp, Brian;

Published by: Published on: 08/2009

YEAR: 2009 DOI: 10.2514/6.2009-6204

On the loss of relativistic electrons at geosynchronous altitude: Its dependence on magnetic configurations and external conditions

[1] The present study statistically examines geosynchronous magnetic configurations and external conditions that characterize the loss of geosynchronous MeV electrons. The loss of MeV electrons often takes place during magnetospheric storms, but it also takes place without any clear storm activity. It is found that irrespective of storm activity, the day-night asymmetry of the geosynchronous H (north-south) magnetic component is pronounced during electron loss events. For the loss process, the magnitude, rather than the duration, of the magnetic distortion appears to be important, and its effective duration can be as short as \~30 min. The solar wind dynamic pressure tends to be high and interplanetary magnetic field BZ tends to be southward during electron loss events. Under such external conditions the dayside magnetopause moves closer to Earth, and the day-night magnetic asymmetry is enhanced. As a consequence the area of closed drift orbits shrinks. The magnetic field at the subsolar magnetopause, which is estimated from force balance with the solar wind dynamic pressure, is usually stronger than the nightside geosynchronous magnetic field during electron loss events. It is therefore suggested that geosynchronous MeV electrons on the night side are very often on open drift paths when geosynchronous MeV electrons are lost. Whereas the present result does not preclude the widely accepted idea that MeV electrons are lost to the atmosphere by wave-particle interaction, it suggests that magnetopause shadowing is another plausible loss process of geosynchronous MeV electrons.

Ohtani, S.; Miyoshi, Y.; Singer, H.; Weygand, J.;

Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research Published on: 01/2009

YEAR: 2009 DOI: 10.1029/2008JA013391

Magnetopause Losses

Review of modeling of losses and sources of relativistic electrons in the outer radiation belt II: Local acceleration and loss

This paper focuses on the modeling of local acceleration and loss processes in the outer radiation belt. We begin by reviewing the statistical properties of waves that violate the first and second adiabatic invariants, leading to the loss and acceleration of high energy electrons in the outer radiation belt. After a brief description of the most commonly accepted methodology for computing quasi-linear diffusion coefficients, we present pitch-angle scattering simulations by (i) plasmaspheric hiss, (ii) a combination of plasmaspheric hiss and electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves, (iii) chorus waves, and (iv) a combination of chorus and EMIC waves. Simulations of the local acceleration and loss processes show that statistically, the net effect of chorus waves is acceleration at MeV energies and loss at hundreds of keV energies. The combination of three-dimensional (3D) simulations of the local processes and radial transport show that the complexity of the behavior of the radiation belts is due to a number of competing processes of acceleration and loss, and depends on the dynamics of the plasmasphere, ring current, and solar wind conditions.

SHPRITS, Y; SUBBOTIN, D; MEREDITH, N; ELKINGTON, S;

Published by: Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics Published on: 11/2008

YEAR: 2008 DOI: 10.1016/j.jastp.2008.06.014

Local Acceleration due to Wave-Particle Interaction

Review of modeling of losses and sources of relativistic electrons in the outer radiation belt I: Radial transport

In this paper, we focus on the modeling of radial transport in the Earth\textquoterights outer radiation belt. A historical overview of the first observations of the radiation belts is presented, followed by a brief description of radial diffusion. We describe how resonant interactions with poloidal and toroidal components of the ULF waves can change the electron\textquoterights energy and provide radial displacements. We also present radial diffusion and guiding center simulations that show the importance of radial transport in redistributing relativistic electron fluxes and also in accelerating and decelerating radiation belt electrons. We conclude by presenting guiding center simulations of the coupled particle tracing and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) codes and by discussing the origin of relativistic electrons at geosynchronous orbit. Local acceleration and losses and 3D simulations of the dynamics of the radiation belt fluxes are discussed in the companion paper [Shprits, Y.Y., Subbotin, D.A., Meredith, N.P., Elkington, S.R., 2008. Review of modeling of losses and sources of relativistic electrons in the outer radiation belt II: Local acceleration and loss. Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics, this issue. doi:10.1016/j.jastp.2008.06.014].

SHPRITS, Y; ELKINGTON, S; MEREDITH, N; SUBBOTIN, D;

Published by: Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics Published on: 11/2008

YEAR: 2008 DOI: 10.1016/j.jastp.2008.06.008

Relativistic electron precipitation by EMIC waves from self-consistent global simulations

[1] We study the effect of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) wave scattering on radiation belt electrons during the large geomagnetic storm of 21 October 2001 with minimum Dst = -187 nT. We use our global physics-based model, which solves the kinetic equation for relativistic electrons and H+, O+, and He+ ions as a function of radial distance in the equatorial plane, magnetic local time, energy, and pitch angle. The model includes time-dependent convective transport and radial diffusion and all major loss processes and is coupled with a dynamic plasmasphere model. We calculate the excitation of EMIC waves self-consistently with the evolving plasma populations. Particle interactions with these waves are evaluated according to quasi-linear theory, using diffusion coefficients for a multicomponent plasma and including not only field-aligned but also oblique EMIC wave propagation. The pitch angle diffusion coefficients increase from 0\textdegree to \~60\textdegree during specific storm conditions. Pitch angle scattering by EMIC waves causes significant loss of radiation belt electrons at E >= 1 MeV and precipitation into the atmosphere. However, the relativistic electron flux dropout during the main phase at large L >= 5 is due mostly to outward radial diffusion, driven by the flux decrease at geosynchronous orbit. We show first results from global simulations indicating significant relativistic electron precipitation within regions of enhanced EMIC instability, whose location varies with time but is predominantly in the afternoon-dusk sector. The precipitating electron fluxes are usually collocated with precipitating ion fluxes but occur at variable energy range and magnitude. The minimum resonant energy increases at low L and relativistic electrons at E <= 1 MeV do not precipitate at L < 3 during this storm.

Jordanova, V.; Albert, J.; Miyoshi, Y.;

Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research Published on: 03/2008

YEAR: 2008 DOI: 10.1029/2008JA013239

Slot region electron loss timescales due to plasmaspheric hiss and lightning-generated whistlers

[1] Energetic electrons (E > 100 keV) in the Earth\textquoterights radiation belts undergo Doppler-shifted cyclotron resonant interactions with a variety of whistler mode waves leading to pitch angle scattering and subsequent loss to the atmosphere. In this study we assess the relative importance of plasmaspheric hiss and lightning-generated whistlers in the slot region and beyond. Electron loss timescales are determined using the Pitch Angle and energy Diffusion of Ions and Electrons (PADIE) code with global models of the spectral distributions of the wave power based on CRRES observations. Our results show that plasmaspheric hiss propagating at small and intermediate wave normal angles is a significant scattering agent in the slot region and beyond. In contrast, plasmaspheric hiss propagating at large wave normal angles and lightning-generated whistlers do not contribute significantly to radiation belt loss. The loss timescale of 2 MeV electrons due to plasmaspheric hiss propagating at small and intermediate wave normal angles in the center of the slot region (L = 2.5) lies in the range 1\textendash10 days, consistent with recent Solar Anomalous and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer (SAMPEX) observations. Wave turbulence in space, which is responsible for the generation plasmaspheric hiss, thus leads to the formation of the slot region. During active periods, losses due to plasmaspheric hiss may occur on a timescale of 1 day or less for a wide range of energies, 200 keV < E < 1 MeV, in the region 3.5 < L < 4.0. Plasmaspheric hiss may thus also be a significant loss process in the inner region of the outer radiation belt during magnetically disturbed periods.

Meredith, Nigel; Horne, Richard; Glauert, Sarah; Anderson, Roger;

Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research Published on: 08/2007

YEAR: 2007 DOI: 10.1029/2007JA012413

Refilling of the slot region between the inner and outer electron radiation belts during geomagnetic storms

[1] Energetic electrons (>=50 keV) are injected into the slot region (2 < L < 4) between the inner and outer radiation belts during the early recovery phase of geomagnetic storms. Enhanced convection from the plasma sheet can account for the storm-time injection at lower energies but does not explain the rapid appearance of higher-energy electrons (>=150 keV). The effectiveness of either radial diffusion (driven by enhanced ULF waves) or local acceleration (during interactions with enhanced whistler mode chorus emissions), as a potential source for refilling the slot at higher energies, is analyzed for observed conditions during the early recovery phase of the 10 October 1990 storm. We demonstrate that local acceleration, driven by observed chorus emissions, can account for the rapid enhancement in 200\textendash700 keV electrons in the outer slot region near L = 3.3. Radial diffusion is much less effective but may partially contribute to the flux enhancement at lower L. Subsequent outward expansion of the plasmapause during the storm recovery phase effectively terminates local wave acceleration in the slot and prevents acceleration to energies higher than \~700 keV. A statistical analysis of energetic electron flux enhancements and wave and plasma properties over the entire CRRES mission supports the concept of local wave acceleration as a dominant process for refilling the slot during the main and early recovery phase of storms. For moderate storms, the injection process naturally becomes less effective at energies >=1 MeV, due to the longer wave acceleration times and additional precipitation loss from scattering by electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves. However, during extreme events when the plasmapause remains compressed for several days, conditions may occur to allow wave acceleration to multi-MeV energies at locations normally associated with the slot.

Thorne, R.; Shprits, Y; Meredith, N.; Horne, R.; Li, W.; Lyons, L.;

Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research Published on: 06/2007

YEAR: 2007 DOI: 10.1029/2006JA012176

Shock-Induced Transport. Slot Refilling and Formation of New Belts.

The effect of ULF compressional modes and field line resonances on relativistic electron dynamics

The adiabatic, drift-resonant interaction between relativistic, equatorially mirroring electrons and a ULF compressional wave that couples to a field line resonance (FLR) is modelled. Investigations are focussed on the effect of azimuthal localisation in wave amplitude on the electron dynamics. The ULF wave fields on the equatorial plane (r , φ ) are modelled using a box model [Zhu, X., Kivelson, M.G., 1988. Analytic formulation and quantitative solutions of the coupled ULF wave problem. J. Geophys. Res. 93(A8), 8602\textendash8612], and azimuthal variations are introduced by adding a discrete spectrum of azimuthal modes. Electron trajectories are calculated using drift equations assuming constant magnetic moment M , and the evolution of the distribution function f(r,φ,M,t) from an assumed initial condition is calculated by assuming f remains constant along electron trajectories. The azimuthal variation in ULF wave structure is shown to have a profound effect on the electron dynamics once a threshold in azimuthal variation is exceeded. Electron energy changes occur that are significantly larger than the trapping width corresponding to the maximum wave amplitude. We show how this can be explained in terms of the overlap of multiple resonance islands, produced by the introduction of azimuthal amplitude variation. This anomalous energisation is characterised by performing parameter scans in the modulation amplitude ε and the wave electric field. A simple parametric model for the threshold is shown to give reasonable agreement with the threshold observed in the electron dynamics model. Above the threshold, the radial transport averaged over φ is shown to become diffusive in nature over a timescale of about 25 wave periods. The anomalous energisation described in this paper occurs over the first 15 wave periods, indicating the importance of convective transport in this process.

Degeling, A.; Rankin, R.; Kabin, K.; Marchand, R.; Mann, I.R.;

Published by: Planetary and Space Science Published on: 04/2007

YEAR: 2007 DOI: 10.1016/j.pss.2006.04.039

The effect of ULF compressional modes and field line resonances on relativistic electron dynamics

The adiabatic, drift-resonant interaction between relativistic, equatorially mirroring electrons and a ULF compressional wave that couples to a field line resonance (FLR) is modelled. Investigations are focussed on the effect of azimuthal localisation in wave amplitude on the electron dynamics. The ULF wave fields on the equatorial plane (r , φ ) are modelled using a box model [Zhu, X., Kivelson, M.G., 1988. Analytic formulation and quantitative solutions of the coupled ULF wave problem. J. Geophys. Res. 93(A8), 8602\textendash8612], and azimuthal variations are introduced by adding a discrete spectrum of azimuthal modes. Electron trajectories are calculated using drift equations assuming constant magnetic moment M , and the evolution of the distribution function f(r,φ,M,t) from an assumed initial condition is calculated by assuming f remains constant along electron trajectories. The azimuthal variation in ULF wave structure is shown to have a profound effect on the electron dynamics once a threshold in azimuthal variation is exceeded. Electron energy changes occur that are significantly larger than the trapping width corresponding to the maximum wave amplitude. We show how this can be explained in terms of the overlap of multiple resonance islands, produced by the introduction of azimuthal amplitude variation. This anomalous energisation is characterised by performing parameter scans in the modulation amplitude ε and the wave electric field. A simple parametric model for the threshold is shown to give reasonable agreement with the threshold observed in the electron dynamics model. Above the threshold, the radial transport averaged over φ is shown to become diffusive in nature over a timescale of about 25 wave periods. The anomalous energisation described in this paper occurs over the first 15 wave periods, indicating the importance of convective transport in this process.

Degeling, A.; Rankin, R.; Kabin, K.; Marchand, R.; Mann, I.R.;

Published by: Planetary and Space Science Published on: 04/2007

YEAR: 2007 DOI: 10.1016/j.pss.2006.04.039

Timescales for radiation belt electron acceleration and loss due to resonant wave-particle interactions: 1. Theory

Radiation belt electrons can interact with various modes of plasma wave in their drift orbits about the Earth, including whistler-mode chorus outside the plasmasphere, and both whistler-mode hiss and electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves inside the plasmasphere. Electrons undergo gyroresonant diffusion in their interactions with these waves. To determine the timescales for electron momentum diffusion and pitch angle diffusion, we develop bounce-averaged quasi-linear resonant diffusion coefficients for field-aligned electromagnetic waves in a hydrogen or multi-ion (H+, He+, O+) plasma. We assume that the Earth\textquoterights magnetic field is dipolar and that the wave frequency spectrum is Gaussian. Evaluation of the diffusion coefficients requires the solution of a sixth-order polynomial equation for the resonant wave frequencies in the case of a multi-ion (H+, He+, O+) plasma, compared to the solution of a fourth-order polynomial equation for a hydrogen plasma. In some cases, diffusion coefficients for field-aligned waves can provide a valuable approximation for diffusion rates for oblique waves calculated using higher-order resonances. Bounce-averaged diffusion coefficients for field-aligned waves can be evaluated generally in minimal CPU time and can therefore be profitably incorporated into comprehensive kinetic radiation belt codes.

Summers, D.; Ni, Binbin; Meredith, Nigel;

Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research Published on: 04/2007

YEAR: 2007 DOI: 10.1029/2006JA011801

Local Acceleration due to Wave-Particle Interaction

Timescales for radiation belt electron acceleration and loss due to resonant wave-particle interactions: 1. Theory

Radiation belt electrons can interact with various modes of plasma wave in their drift orbits about the Earth, including whistler-mode chorus outside the plasmasphere, and both whistler-mode hiss and electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves inside the plasmasphere. Electrons undergo gyroresonant diffusion in their interactions with these waves. To determine the timescales for electron momentum diffusion and pitch angle diffusion, we develop bounce-averaged quasi-linear resonant diffusion coefficients for field-aligned electromagnetic waves in a hydrogen or multi-ion (H+, He+, O+) plasma. We assume that the Earth\textquoterights magnetic field is dipolar and that the wave frequency spectrum is Gaussian. Evaluation of the diffusion coefficients requires the solution of a sixth-order polynomial equation for the resonant wave frequencies in the case of a multi-ion (H+, He+, O+) plasma, compared to the solution of a fourth-order polynomial equation for a hydrogen plasma. In some cases, diffusion coefficients for field-aligned waves can provide a valuable approximation for diffusion rates for oblique waves calculated using higher-order resonances. Bounce-averaged diffusion coefficients for field-aligned waves can be evaluated generally in minimal CPU time and can therefore be profitably incorporated into comprehensive kinetic radiation belt codes.

Summers, D.; Ni, Binbin; Meredith, Nigel;

Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research Published on: 04/2007

YEAR: 2007 DOI: 10.1029/2006JA011801

Local Acceleration due to Wave-Particle Interaction

Review of radiation belt relativistic electron losses

We present a brief review of radiation belt electron losses which are vitally important for controlling the dynamics of the radiation belts. A historical overview of early observations is presented, followed by a brief description of important known electron loss mechanisms. We describe key theoretical results and observations related to pitch-angle scattering by resonant interaction with plasmaspheric hiss, whistler-mode chorus and electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves, and review recent work on magnetopause losses. In particular, we attempt to organize recent observational data by loss mechanism and their relative importance to the overall rate of loss. We conclude by suggesting future observational and theoretical work that would contribute to our understanding of this important area of radiation belt research.

MILLAN, R; THORNE, R;

Published by: Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics Published on: 03/2007

YEAR: 2007 DOI: 10.1016/j.jastp.2006.06.019

Simulating radial diffusion of energetic (MeV) electrons through a model of fluctuating electric and magnetic fields

In the present work, a test particle simulation is performed in a model of analytic Ultra Low Frequency, ULF, perturbations in the electric and magnetic fields of the Earth\textquoterights magnetosphere. The goal of this work is to examine if the radial transport of energetic particles in quiet-time ULF magnetospheric perturbations of various azimuthal mode numbers can be described as a diffusive process and be approximated by theoretically derived radial diffusion coefficients. In the model realistic compressional electromagnetic field perturbations are constructed by a superposition of a large number of propagating electric and consistent magnetic pulses. The diffusion rates of the electrons under the effect of the fluctuating fields are calculated numerically through the test-particle simulation as a function of the radial coordinate L in a dipolar magnetosphere; these calculations are then compared to the symmetric, electromagnetic radial diffusion coefficients for compressional, poloidal perturbations in the Earth\textquoterights magnetosphere. In the model the amplitude of the perturbation fields can be adjusted to represent realistic states of magnetospheric activity. Similarly, the azimuthal modulation of the fields can be adjusted to represent different azimuthal modes of fluctuations and the contribution to radial diffusion from each mode can be quantified. Two simulations of quiet-time magnetospheric variability are performed: in the first simulation, diffusion due to poloidal perturbations of mode number m=1 is calculated; in the second, the diffusion rates from multiple-mode (m=0 to m=8) perturbations are calculated. The numerical calculations of the diffusion coefficients derived from the particle orbits are found to agree with the corresponding theoretical estimates of the diffusion coefficient within a factor of two.

Sarris, T.; Li, X.; Temerin, M.;

Published by: Annales Geophysicae Published on: 10/2006

YEAR: 2006 DOI: 10.5194/angeo-24-2583-2006

Energetic outer zone electron loss timescales during low geomagnetic activity

Following enhanced magnetic activity the fluxes of energetic electrons in the Earth\textquoterights outer radiation belt gradually decay to quiet-time levels. We use CRRES observations to estimate the energetic electron loss timescales and to identify the principal loss mechanisms. Gradual loss of energetic electrons in the region 3.0 <= L <= 5.0 occurs during quiet periods (Kp < 3-) following enhanced magnetic activity on timescales ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 days for 214 keV electrons to 5.5 to 6.5 days for 1.09 MeV electrons. The intervals of decay are associated with large average values of the ratio fpe/fce (>7), indicating that the decay takes place in the plasmasphere. We compute loss timescales for pitch-angle scattering by plasmaspheric hiss using the PADIE code with wave properties based on CRRES observations. The resulting timescales suggest that pitch angle scattering by plasmaspheric hiss propagating at small or intermediate wave normal angles is responsible for electron loss over a wide range of energies and L shells. The region where hiss dominates loss is energy-dependent, ranging from 3.5 <= L <= 5.0 at 214 keV to 3.0 <= L <= 4.0 at 1.09 MeV. Plasmaspheric hiss at large wave normal angles does not contribute significantly to the loss rates. At E = 1.09 MeV the loss timescales are overestimated by a factor of \~5 for 4.5 <= L <= 5.0. We suggest that resonant wave-particle interactions with EMIC waves, which become important at MeV energies for larger L (L > \~4.5), may play a significant role in this region.

Meredith, Nigel; Horne, Richard; Glauert, Sarah; Thorne, Richard; Summers, D.; Albert, Jay; Anderson, Roger;

Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research Published on: 05/2006

YEAR: 2006 DOI: 10.1029/2005JA011516

Energetic outer zone electron loss timescales during low geomagnetic activity

Following enhanced magnetic activity the fluxes of energetic electrons in the Earth\textquoterights outer radiation belt gradually decay to quiet-time levels. We use CRRES observations to estimate the energetic electron loss timescales and to identify the principal loss mechanisms. Gradual loss of energetic electrons in the region 3.0 <= L <= 5.0 occurs during quiet periods (Kp < 3-) following enhanced magnetic activity on timescales ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 days for 214 keV electrons to 5.5 to 6.5 days for 1.09 MeV electrons. The intervals of decay are associated with large average values of the ratio fpe/fce (>7), indicating that the decay takes place in the plasmasphere. We compute loss timescales for pitch-angle scattering by plasmaspheric hiss using the PADIE code with wave properties based on CRRES observations. The resulting timescales suggest that pitch angle scattering by plasmaspheric hiss propagating at small or intermediate wave normal angles is responsible for electron loss over a wide range of energies and L shells. The region where hiss dominates loss is energy-dependent, ranging from 3.5 <= L <= 5.0 at 214 keV to 3.0 <= L <= 4.0 at 1.09 MeV. Plasmaspheric hiss at large wave normal angles does not contribute significantly to the loss rates. At E = 1.09 MeV the loss timescales are overestimated by a factor of \~5 for 4.5 <= L <= 5.0. We suggest that resonant wave-particle interactions with EMIC waves, which become important at MeV energies for larger L (L > \~4.5), may play a significant role in this region.

Meredith, Nigel; Horne, Richard; Glauert, Sarah; Thorne, Richard; Summers, D.; Albert, Jay; Anderson, Roger;

Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research Published on: 05/2006

YEAR: 2006 DOI: 10.1029/2005JA011516

Phase space density analysis of the outer radiation belt energetic electron dynamics

We present an analysis of the electron phase space density in the Earth\textquoterights outer radiation belt during three magnetically disturbed periods to determine the likely roles of inward radial diffusion and local acceleration in the energization of electrons to relativistic energies. During the recovery phase of the 9 October 1990 storm and the period of prolonged substorms between 11 and 16 September 1990, the relativistic electron phase space density increases substantially and peaks in the phase space density occur in the region 4.0 < L* < 5.5 for values of the first adiabatic invariant, M >= 550 MeV/G, corresponding to energies, E > \~0.8 MeV. The peaks in the phase space density are associated with prolonged substorm activity, enhanced chorus amplitudes, and predominantly low values of the ratio between the electron plasma frequency, fpe, and the electron gyrofrequency, fce (fpe/fce < \~4). The data provide further evidence for a local wave acceleration process in addition to radial diffusion operating in the heart of the outer radiation belt. During the recovery phase of the 9 October 1990 storm the peaks are more pronounced at large M (550 MeV/G) and large Kaufmann K (0.11 equation imageRE) than large M (700 MeV/G) and small K (0.025 equation imageRE), which suggests that radial diffusion is more effective below about 0.7 MeV for 5.0 < L* < 5.5 during this period. At low M (M <= 250 MeV/G), corresponding to energies, E < \~0.8 MeV, there is no evidence for a peak in phase space density and the data are more consistent with inward radial diffusion and losses to the atmosphere by pitch angle scattering. During the 26 August 1990 storm there is a net loss in the relativistic electron phase space density for 3.3 < L* < 6.0. At low M (M <= 250 MeV/G) the phase space density decreases by almost a constant factor and the gradient remains positive for all L*, but at high M (M >= 550 MeV/G) the decrease in phase space density is greater at larger L* and the gradient changes from positive to negative. The data show that it is possible to have inward radial diffusion at low energies and outward radial diffusion at higher energies, which would fill the outer radiation belt.

Iles, Roger; Meredith, Nigel; Fazakerley, Andrew; Horne, Richard;

Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research Published on: 03/2006

YEAR: 2006 DOI: 10.1029/2005JA011206

Local Acceleration due to Wave-Particle Interaction

Timescale for MeV electron microburst loss during geomagnetic storms

Energetic electrons in the outer radiation belt can resonate with intense bursts of whistler-mode chorus emission leading to microburst precipitation into the atmosphere. The timescale for removal of outer zone MeV electrons during the main phase of the October 1998 magnetic storm has been computed by comparing the rate of microburst loss observed on SAMPEX with trapped flux levels observed on Polar. Effective lifetimes are comparable to a day and are relatively independent of L shell. The lifetimes have also been evaluated by theoretical calculations based on quasi-linear scattering by field-aligned waves. Agreement with the observations requires average wide-band wave amplitudes comparable to 100 pT, which is consistent with the intensity of chorus emissions observed under active conditions. MeV electron scattering is most efficient during first-order cyclotron resonance with chorus emissions at geomagnetic latitudes above 30 degrees. Consequently, the zone of MeV microbursts tends to maximize in the prenoon (0400\textendash1200 MLT) sector, since nightside chorus is more strongly confined to the equator.

Thorne, R.; O\textquoterightBrien, T.; Shprits, Y; Summers, D.; Horne, R.;

Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research Published on: 09/2005

YEAR: 2005 DOI: 10.1029/2004JA010882