Open AccessCluster energetic electron survey of the high‐altitude cusp and adjacent regions
Author(s) -
Walsh B. M.,
Fritz T. A.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: space physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.67
H-Index - 298
eISSN - 2156-2202
pISSN - 0148-0227
DOI - 10.1029/2011ja016828
Subject(s) - magnetosphere , magnetosheath , physics , cusp (singularity) , population , electron precipitation , magnetopause , solar wind , electron , earth's magnetic field , latitude , effects of high altitude on humans , field line , geomagnetic latitude , range (aeronautics) , geophysics , astrophysics , astronomy , magnetic field , geometry , meteorology , mathematics , demography , quantum mechanics , sociology , materials science , composite material
A statistical study of the energetic electron population (E > 37 keV) in the high‐altitude cusp and surrounding regions is conducted with 7 years of data from the Cluster spacecraft. The progression of Cluster's orbit during this period allows for a wide range of latitude on the dayside magnetosphere to be surveyed. Locations of the spacecraft are adjusted to account for changes in the solar wind and geomagnetic activity measurements. The survey shows (1) frequent presence of energetic electrons within the high latitude trapping region and exterior cusp, (2) energetic electron flux dropping off rapidly with distance from the magnetosphere into the magnetosheath, (3) a similar spectral power law for the electrons in the outer high latitude trapping region as the exterior cusp, and (4) a pitch angle distribution in the cusp peaking at 90°. These findings indicate the energetic electron population on potentially open field lines in the exterior cusp likely is fed by both the high latitude trapping region as well as local acceleration.