EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Immel et al. 2002
Immel, T.J., Mende, S.B., Frey, H.U., Peticolas, L.M., Carlson, C.W., Gérard, J., Hubert, B., Fuselier, S.A. and Burch, J. L. (2002). Precipitation of auroral protons in detached arcs. Geophysical Research Letters 29: doi: 10.1029/2001GL013847. issn: 0094-8276.

Recent global-scale observations by the IMAGE-FUV instrument demonstrate the existence of regions of particle precipitation at sub-auroral latitudes on the dayside. The signature of this precipitation is seen infrequently, but when so, it is clear in all 3 channels of the FUV instrument. A conjugate hemisphere conjunction with the FAST satellite demonstrates the presence of precipitating protons and the notable absence of precipitating electrons in these arcs. With this knowledge, one can determine the mean energy and energy flux of the precipitating protons by intercomparison of the response in the three FUV channels. Assuming that the protons have a kappa energy distribution, the mean energy is found to be ~20 keV, with a peak in total energy flux of ~1 mW/m2/sec, consistent with fits to the FAST ion measurements. These phenomena are observed mainly during times of high solar wind dynamic pressure and variable interplanetary magnetic field, and are associated with earlier nightside enhancements in the brightness and latitudinal extent of the proton aurora.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Magnetospheric Physics, Auroral phenomena, Atmospheric Composition and Structure, Airglow and aurora, Magnetospheric Physics, Plasmasphere, Magnetospheric Physics, Ring current
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
http://www.agu.org/journals/gl/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit