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Edmonson et al. 1977
Edmonson, D.A., Peterson, W.K., Doering, J.P. and Feldman, P.D. (1977). High resolution electron energy spectra in an active aurora at the onset of the magnetic storm of March 26, 1976. Geophysical Research Letters 4: doi: 10.1029/GL004i002p00075. issn: 0094-8276.

The spectrum of high energy precipitating auroral electrons (2--26 keV) was measured at altitudes from 97--175 km at the onset of the magnetic storm fo 26 March 1976 by a rocket borne experiment launched from Ft. Churchill, Manitoba. The spectra show an unusual double-peaked distribution, with maxima at 4.5 and 17 keV, that persists for the full four minutes of data acquisition. Multiple structure within the main peaks is also noted. The energies and intensities of the two peaks observed at 163 km and 0¿ pitch angle vary independently during a sudden brightening on the downleg of the rocket flight. Thirty spectra taken during a slow roll maneuver near apogee show that the pitch angle distribution for the two peaks in the energy spectrum is isotropic over both the precipitating and backscattered hemispheres. However, the ratio of incident to backscattered electrons is a factor of two larger for the 4.5 keV electrons than for the 17 keV electrons. Spectra taken near the end of the flight show energy dependent attenuation with altitude but fluctuations in auroral intensity preclude a detailed analysis.

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Geophysical Research Letters
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American Geophysical Union
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