Galileo Observation of Electron Spectra Dawn‐Dusk Asymmetry in the Middle Jovian Magnetosphere: Evidence for Convection Electric Field

Abstract

AbstractIn Jupiter's middle magnetosphere, debate remains on the controlling physics of electron acceleration to the ultrarelativistic regime. Some local‐time asymmetric processes regulating MeV electrons may have their hold across electron spectra, leaving imprints down to 10–100s keV energies. Spectra at these lower energies can be measured with finite energy resolution, which is hardly achieved for MeV electrons. We investigate 10–100s keV electron spectra using Galileo measurements. We show that at 15–20 RJ, the power‐law exponents exhibit a previously unexpected dawn‐dusk asymmetry. This asymmetry is more prominent for 100s‐keV spectra, persistent but enhanced from 1996 to 2001. These match the theory of transport driven by a dawn‐to‐dusk electric field. Contrary to past expectations of dawn‐to‐dusk electric field at Io plasma torus (IPT) extending outward from 6 RJ, the origin of the field we infer may be completely different, despite its orientation and impacts on electron energization similar with the IPT one.