Whistler Mode Waves Associated With Broadband Auroral Electron Precipitation at Jupiter

Abstract

AbstractLarge amplitude electromagnetic plasma waves are observed simultaneously with intense fluxes of electrons precipitating on auroral field lines at Jupiter. Here we present plasma wave observations from the Juno Waves instrument obtained during an instance of very intense broadband electron precipitation observed by the Jupiter Energetic Particle Detector Instrument connecting to Jupiter's main auroral oval. The wave spectrum extends from 50 Hz to ~10 kHz with peak‐to‐peak amplitudes of ~10 nT in the magnetic channel and of ~1 V/m in the electric channel, representing some of the most intense plasma waves observed by Juno. The E and B fields of these electromagnetic waves are correlated and have apparent polarization perpendicular to Jupiter's magnetic field with a downward Poynting flux. We conclude the plasma waves are whistler mode emissions with a possible admixture of ion‐cyclotron or Alfvén waves and may be important in the broadband electron acceleration.