Low‐energy charged particle observations in the 5–20 RJ region of the Jovian magnetosphere

Abstract

Ion (>0.5 MeV) and electron (>30 keV) measurements made by the low‐energy charged particle instrument during the Voyager 1 and 2 traversais of the 5–20 RJ region of the Jovian magnetosphere are presented. The spatial morphology of particle intensities, energy spectra, and composition is emphasized. Diffusive radial transport is also discussed. The Jovian magnetopshere seemed to be much more disturbed during the Voyager 2 passage than during that of Voyager 1. Significant inbound‐outbound asymmetries of the radial profiles of intensities are observed; an appropriate magnetic field model to provide closure has not been found. Low‐energy electrons are not enhanced or depleted in the Io torus region except at the inner edge, about 5.2 RJ, where they sharply decrease. This may be due to enhanced electron loss associated with a region of increased plasma density.