Abstract
Observations of nongyrotropic electron distributions in the region upstream of the Earth's bow shock suggest that there exists a mechanism to lock in their phase, otherwise they would rapidly gyrophase mix into a ring‐beam distribution. Measurements by the Plasma Electron and Current Experiment (PEACE) on the Cluster spacecraft have provided a way of determining the rotational period of a nongyrotropic electron distribution. For the time period studied, the rotational period is found to be ≈0.5 Hz, significantly lower than the local Larmor frequency but in line with the frequency of waves observed in the local magnetic field. Detailed wave analysis has revealed that the waves are most likely ordinary right‐hand whistler waves. The conclusion is that the waves provide the necessary phase locking mechanism. It is not clear whether those waves are generated by the nongyrotropic distribution or are produced by other means and then cause the observed nongyrotropy.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
