First solar electron events observed by EPD aboard Solar Orbiter

Abstract

<p>The first solar electron events detected by Solar Orbiter were observed by the Energetic Particle Detector (EPD) suite during July 11-23, 2020, when the spacecraft was at heliocentric distances between 0.61 and 0.69 au. We combined EPD electron observations from 4 keV to the relativistic range (few MeV), radio dynamic spectra and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) observations from multiple spacecraft in order to identify the solar origin of these electron events. Electron anisotropies and timing as well as the plasma and magnetic field environment were evaluated to characterize the interplanetary transport conditions. We found that all the electron events were clearly associated with type III radio bursts. EUV jets were also found in association with all of them except one. A diversity of time profiles and pitch-angle distributions (ranging from almost isotropic to beam-like) was observed. These observations indicate that different source locations and different magnetic connectivity and transport conditions were likely involved. The broad spectral range covered by EPD with excellent energy resolution and the high time cadence ensure that future observations close to the Sun will contribute to the understanding of the acceleration, release, and transport processes of energetic particles. EPD observations will play a key role in the identification of the sources of impulsive events and the links between the near-relativistic electrons and the ion populations enriched in <sup>3</sup>He and heavy ions</p><p> </p>