The solar proton event of April 16, 1970, 2. Transformation of proton pitch angle distributions from the solar wind into the magnetosheath

Abstract

During the event of April 16, 1970, energetic (∼0.7 MeV) protons were observed by Vela 6B in the solar wind and by Vela 5B in the magnetosheath. During one 4-hour period the omnidirectional flux measured by 5B was a factor of 3 larger than that measured by 6B. The pitch angle distribution observed at this time by 6B was characterized by a strong peak at 0° pitch angle. Transformation of this distribution according to the Liouville equation accounts for the enhanced omnidirectional flux and the shape of the pitch angle distributions observed at 5B. At a later time in the event, distorted pitch angle distributions, which were observed in the magnetosheath, are accounted for by a Liouville transformation of an assumed unidirectional distribution in interplanetary space. We conclude that particle entry into the magnetosheath was approximately adiabatic.