Abstract
Abstract We present a detailed statistical study of the distribution of the inverted-V electron precipitation commonly detected in the 500–2000 km altitude range aboard the AUREOL-3 satellite. These structured precipitations are statistically observed inside the auroral oval with a maximum occurrence in the evening-midnight sector. They correspond to primary electron fluxes peaked at energies generally below 10 keV and precipitating in large-scale structures (50–100 km in latitudinal width). It is shown that, as predicted by collisionless kinetic theories, most inverted-V structures present a clear relationship between the field-aligned current density carried by the 1–20 keV primary electrons and the potential drop inferred from particle distribution functions. Furthermore the study demonstrates the existence of strong electron heating, inside the acceleration region.
Published Version
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 call