Particles In Interplanetary Space Research Articles

A Prototype of a Background Solar Wind Forecasting Service Based on MHD Modeling and WSA Boundary Conditions

A prototype service for MHD modeling of the calm solar wind and forecasting the speed and density of solar wind particles in interplanetary space, similar to the NOAA and ESA services, has been created. The service consists of an MHD simulator, a module for processing simulation results, and a web interface. The simulator is based on the implementation of the TVDLF method in the PLUTO package. The boundary conditions of the model (density, radial velocity, magnetic field, temperature) at a distance of 0.1 AU from the origin are obtained regularly from the corresponding NOAA service, in which they are calculated according to the WSA model based on the magnetograms of the GONG network. Two modes of boundary conditions are available: constant and daily. The simulations were carried out on a uniform grid in the range of 0.1–1.7 AU by distance (512 elements), –60°...+60° by latitude (60 elements), 0°–360° by longitude (180 elements). The calculated particle velocity and density maps are compared with the NOAA SWPC and NASA CCMC calculations under the same boundary conditions. A retrospective comparison of the resulting forecasts with data from direct measurements (OMNI) was carried out.

Magnetic connectivity and solar energetic proton event intensity profiles at deka-MeV energy

We present an analysis of the time-intensity profiles of 25 solar energetic proton events at 18.2 MeV, modelled by fitting an analytical function form (a modified Weibull function) to the observed intensities. Additionally relying on previous work that characterized the magnetic connectivity between the event-related solar flare and the observer in these events with three angular parameters, we investigate the fit function parameters, the connectivity parameters, and the iron-to-carbon ratio of the events for dependencies and correlations. We find that the fit parameter controlling the basic shape of the profile (parameter a) is not clearly dependent on the connectivity parameters or the Fe/C ratio, suggesting that the profile shapes of neither well and weakly connected nor generally “impulsive” and “gradual” events differ systematically during the early stages of the event at 1 AU. In contrast, the time scaling of the fit function (parameter b) is at least moderately correlated with both the magnetic connectivity parameters and the Fe/C ratio, in that well-connected and iron-rich events are typically shorter in relative duration than weakly connected and nominal-abundance events; intensity rise times display a similar correlation with the connectivity parameters. We interpret the former result as following from the combined effect of various transport processes acting on the particles in interplanetary space, while the latter is essentially consistent with established knowledge regarding the observed dependence of the time-intensity profile shapes of solar energetic particle events on their magnetic connectivity and heavy ion abundances. The desirability of modelling the particle transport effects in detail and extending the analysis to cover higher energies is indicated.

Multi-spacecraft observations of the structure of the sheath of an interplanetary coronal mass ejection and related energetic ion enhancement

Context. Sheath regions ahead of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are large-scale heliospheric structures that form gradually with CME expansion and propagation from the Sun. Turbulent and compressed sheaths could contribute to the acceleration of charged particles in the corona and in interplanetary space, but the relation of their internal structure to the particle energization process is still a relatively little studied subject. In particular, the role of sheaths in accelerating particles when the shock Mach number is low is a significant open research problem. Aims. This work seeks to provide new insights on the internal structure of CME-driven sheaths with regard to energetic particle enhancements. A good opportunity to achieve this aim was provided by multi-point, in-situ observations of a sheath region made by radially aligned spacecraft at 0.8 and ∼1 AU (Solar Orbiter, the L1 spacecraft Wind and ACE, and BepiColombo) on April 19−21, 2020. The sheath was preceded by a weak and slowly propagating fast-mode shock. Methods. We apply a range of analysis techniques to in situ magnetic field, plasma and particle observations. The study focuses on smaller scale sheath structures and magnetic field fluctuations that coincide with energetic ion enhancements. Results. Energetic ion enhancements were identified in the sheath, but at different locations within the sheath structure at Solar Orbiter and L1. Magnetic fluctuation amplitudes at inertial-range scales increased in the sheath relative to the solar wind upstream of the shock, as is typically observed. However, when normalised to the local mean field, fluctuation amplitudes did not increase significantly; magnetic compressibility of fluctuation also did not increase within the sheath. Various substructures were found to be embedded within the sheath at the different spacecraft, including multiple heliospheric current sheet (HCS) crossings and a small-scale flux rope. At L1, the ion flux enhancement was associated with the HCS crossings, while at Solar Orbiter, the ion enhancement occurred within a compressed, small-scale flux rope. Conclusions. Several internal smaller-scale substructures and clear difference in their occurrence and properties between the used spacecraft was identified within the analyzed CME-driven sheath. These substructures are favourable locations for the energization of charged particles in interplanetary space. In particular, substructures that are swept from the upstream solar wind and compressed into the sheath can act as effective acceleration sites. A possible acceleration mechanism is betatron acceleration associated with a small-scale flux rope and warped HCS compressed in the sheath, while the contribution of shock acceleration to the latter cannot be excluded.

Focused Transport of Solar Energetic Particles in Interplanetary Space and the Formation of the Anisotropic Beam-like Distribution of Particles in the Onset Phase of Large Gradual Events

Abstract In the onset phase of large gradual solar energetic particle (SEP) events, the first particles of a given rigidity to arrive at Earth are accelerated in the low corona, focused into a narrow cone of pitch angles by the diverging magnetic field, and transported from near the Sun to 1 au with minimal scattering. The effects of focused transport on the evolution of the beam-like SEPs are investigated analytically. The model assumes for simplicity a constant focusing length and a constant pitch-angle diffusion coefficient for SEPs at small pitch angles. Cross-field transport is ignored. This analytical approximation provides a reasonable representation of the spatial and pitch-angle distribution of the beam-like SEPs. Assuming an instantaneous injection of SEPs near the Sun, the model naturally reproduces several features of the SEP onset profiles observed at 1 au, including a spike-like time–intensity profile with rapid rising and declining edges that resemble a Reid–Axford profile. By assuming an extended injection profile with the shape of an isosceles triangle, we fit the onset phase data of the 2005 January 20 GLE event to our model. The derived mean free path (∼4 au) for relativistic protons is much larger than the theoretical prediction based on the standard quasilinear theory but consistent with our assumption of nearly scatter-free transport and can be explained by a reduced scattering rate, due to particles interacting with ambient turbulence with a Goldreich–Sridhar spectrum. Assuming that the SEPs that are scattered out of the beam are governed by spatial diffusive transport in interplanetary space, we perform an illustrative calculation to account for the nearly isotropic phase following the anisotropic onset as a natural result of the interplanetary transport of SEPs.

Modelling three-dimensional transport of solar energetic protons in a corotating interaction region generated with EUHFORIA

Aims. We introduce a new solar energetic particle (SEP) transport code that aims at studying the effects of different background solar wind configurations on SEP events. In this work, we focus on the influence of varying solar wind velocities on the adiabatic energy changes of SEPs and study how a non-Parker background solar wind can trap particles temporarily at small heliocentric radial distances (≲1.5 AU) thereby influencing the cross-field diffusion of SEPs in the interplanetary space. Methods. Our particle transport code computes particle distributions in the heliosphere by solving the focused transport equation (FTE) in a stochastic manner. Particles are propagated in a solar wind generated by the newly developed data-driven heliospheric model, EUHFORIA. In this work, we solve the FTE, including all solar wind effects, cross-field diffusion, and magnetic-field gradient and curvature drifts. As initial conditions, we assume a delta injection of 4 MeV protons, spread uniformly over a selected region at the inner boundary of the model. To verify the model, we first propagate particles in nominal undisturbed fast and slow solar winds. Thereafter, we simulate and analyse the propagation of particles in a solar wind containing a corotating interaction region (CIR). We study the particle intensities and anisotropies measured by a fleet of virtual observers located at different positions in the heliosphere, as well as the global distribution of particles in interplanetary space. Results. The differential intensity-time profiles obtained in the simulations using the nominal Parker solar wind solutions illustrate the considerable adiabatic deceleration undergone by SEPs, especially when propagating in a fast solar wind. In the case of the solar wind containing a CIR, we observe that particles adiabatically accelerate when propagating in the compression waves bounding the CIR at small radial distances. In addition, for r ≳ 1.5 AU, there are particles accelerated by the reverse shock as indicated by, for example, the anisotropies and pitch-angle distributions of the particles. Moreover, a decrease in high-energy particles at the stream interface (SI) inside the CIR is observed. The compression/shock waves and the magnetic configuration near the SI may also act as a magnetic mirror, producing long-lasting high intensities at small radial distances. We also illustrate how the efficiency of the cross-field diffusion in spreading particles in the heliosphere is enhanced due to compressed magnetic fields. Finally, the inclusion of cross-field diffusion enables some particles to cross both the forward compression wave at small radial distances and the forward shock at larger radial distances. This results in the formation of an accelerated particle population centred on the forward shock, despite the lack of magnetic connection between the particle injection region and this shock wave. Particles injected in the fast solar wind stream cannot reach the forward shock since the SI acts as a diffusion barrier.

THE DIFFUSION APPROXIMATION VERSUS THE TELEGRAPH EQUATION FOR MODELING SOLAR ENERGETIC PARTICLE TRANSPORT WITH ADIABATIC FOCUSING. I. ISOTROPIC PITCH-ANGLE SCATTERING

The diffusion approximation to the Fokker-Planck equation is commonly used to model the transport of solar energetic particles in interplanetary space. In this study, we present exact analytical predictions of a higher order telegraph approximation for particle transport and compare them with the corresponding predictions of the diffusion approximation and numerical solutions of the full Fokker-Planck equation. We specifically investigate the role of the adiabatic focusing effect of a spatially varying magnetic field on an evolving particle distribution. Comparison of the analytical and numerical results shows that the telegraph approximation reproduces the particle intensity profiles much more accurately than does the diffusion approximation, especially when the focusing is strong. However, the telegraph approximation appears to offer no significant advantage over the diffusion approximation for calculating the particle anisotropy. The telegraph approximation can be a useful tool for describing both diffusive and wavelike aspects of the cosmic-ray transport.

Analysis of the ground level enhancement on 17 May 2012 using data from the global neutron monitor network

AbstractWe have analyzed the data of the world neutron monitor network for the first ground level enhancement of solar cycle 24, the ground level enhancement (GLE) on 17 May 2012. A newly computed neutron monitor yield function and an inverse method are applied to estimate the energy spectrum, anisotropy axis direction, and pitch angle distribution of the high‐energy solar particles in interplanetary space. The method includes the determination of the asymptotic viewing cones of neutron monitor stations through computations of trajectories of cosmic rays in a model magnetosphere. The cosmic ray particle trajectories are determined with the GEANT‐based MAGNETOCOSMICS code using Tsyganenko 1989 and International Geomagnetic Reference Field models. Subsequent calculation of the neutron monitor responses with the model function is carried out, that represents an initial guess of the inverse problem. Derivation of the solar energetic particle characteristics is fulfilled by fitting the data of the global neutron monitor network using the Levenberg‐Marquardt method over the nine‐dimensional parameter space. The pitch angle distribution and rigidity spectrum of high‐energy protons are obtained as function of time in the course of the GLE. The angular distribution appears quite complicated. It comprises a focused beam along the interplanetary magnetic field line from the Sun and a loss‐cone feature around the opposite direction, possibly indicative of the particle transport in interplanetary magnetic field structures associated with previous coronal mass ejections.

Low-Resolution Spectrum of the Zodiacal Light with the AKARI InfraRed Camera

We present near- and mid-infrared zodiacal light spectra obtained with the AKARI Infra-Red Camera (IRC). A catalog of 278 spectra of the diffuse sky covering a wide range of Galactic and ecliptic latitudes was constructed. The wavelength range of this catalog is $1.8-5.3 \mu \textrm m $ with a wavelength resolution of $\lambda/\Delta\lambda \sim20$. Advanced reduction methods specialized for the slit spectroscopy of diffuse sky spectra have been developed for constructing the spectral catalog. Based on a comparison analysis of spectra collected in different seasons and ecliptic latitudes, we confirmed that the spectral shape of the scattered component and the thermal emission component of the zodiacal light in our wavelength range does not show any dependence on location and time, but the relative brightness between them varies with location. We also confirmed that the color temperature of the zodiacal emission at $3-5 \mu \textrm m $ is $300\pm 10 \textrm k$ at any ecliptic latitude. This emission is expected to originate from sub-micron dust particles in interplanetary space.

EFFECTS OF NON-ISOTROPIC SCATTERING, MAGNETIC HELICITY, AND ADIABATIC FOCUSING ON DIFFUSIVE TRANSPORT OF SOLAR ENERGETIC PARTICLES

Transport of solar energetic particles in interplanetary space is analyzed. A new systematic derivation of the diffusion approximation is given, which incorporates the effects of non-isotropic scattering, magnetic helicity, and adiabatic focusing in a non-uniform large-scale magnetic field. The derivation is based on a system of stochastic differential equations, equivalent to the Fokker-Planck equation, and the new method is a generalization of the Smoluchowski approximation in the theory of the Brownian motion. Simple, physically transparent expressions for the transport coefficients are derived. Different results of earlier treatments of the problem are related to the assumptions regarding the evolving particle distribution.

DYNAMICAL MODEL FOR THE ZODIACAL CLOUD AND SPORADIC METEORS

The solar system is dusty, and would become dustier over time as asteroids collide and comets disintegrate, except that small debris particles in interplanetary space do not last long. They can be ejected from the solar system by Jupiter, thermally destroyed near the Sun, or physically disrupted by collisions. Also, some are swept by the Earth (and other planets), producing meteors. Here we develop a dynamical model for the solar system meteoroids and use it to explain meteor radar observations. We find that the Jupiter Family Comets (JFCs) are the main source of the prominent concentrations of meteors arriving to the Earth from the helion and antihelion directions. To match the radiant and orbit distributions, as measured by the Canadian Meteor Orbit Radar (CMOR) and Advanced Meteor Orbit Radar (AMOR), our model implies that comets, and JFCs in particular, must frequently disintegrate when reaching orbits with low perihelion distance. Also, the collisional lifetimes of millimeter particles may be longer (>10^5 yr at 1 AU) than postulated in the standard collisional models (10^4 yr at 1 AU), perhaps because these chondrule-sized meteoroids are stronger than thought before. Using observations of the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) to calibrate the model, we find that the total cross section and mass of small meteoroids in the inner solar system are (1.7-3.5)x10^11 km^2 and 4x10^19 g, respectively, in a good agreement with previous studies. The mass input required to keep the Zodiacal Cloud (ZC) in a steady state is estimated to be 10^4-10^5 kg/s. The input is up to 10 times larger than found previously, mainly because particles released closer to the Sun have shorter collisional lifetimes, and need to be supplied at a faster rate.

Energy spectra and relative abundances of ions of C, O, and Fe at 1 AU during the quiet sun

The ion composition of fluxes of charged particles in interplanetary space with energies ∼0.03–10 MeV/nucleon are studied during quiet periods in the 23rd solar-activity cycle using data from the ACE spacecraft. Apart from the activity minimum, the Fe/O ratio during such periods corresponds to either the relative abundances of ions in particle fluxes accelerated in solar flares or the mean abundances of elements in the solar corona. At the cycle minimum, this ratio takes on values characteristic for the solar wind. These results indicate that the background fluxes of low-energy particles in the phases of the growth, maximum, and decay of the solar cycle include significant contributions from both coronal particles accelerated to suprathermal energies and particles accelerated in small impulsive solar flares. The particle fluxes from such flares are distinguished by an enhanced abundance of iron ions.

Worldwide Integration of Neutron Monitors

Cosmic rays, high‐energy particles that reach Earth's atmosphere from outer space, provide a diagnostic tool to analyze processes of general astrophysical interest, such as the acceleration and transport of highly energetic charged particles in interplanetary space and at the Sun. Cosmic rays also directly affect the terrestrial environment and serve as indicators of solar variability and nonanthropogenic climate changes on Earth at present and in the distant past.In the 1950s a worldwide network of standardized cosmic ray detectors was developed to examine temporal and spatial variations in the space environment. Despite decades of progress, ground‐based neutron monitors (NMs) remain the state‐of‐the‐art instrumentation for measuring cosmic rays with gigaelectron volt energies, which cannot be measured in the same simple, inexpensive, and statistically accurate way by space experiments. Therefore, the worldwide network, which currently consists of about 50 standardized International Geophysical Year (IGY) and NM64 neutron monitors, perfectly complements cosmic ray observations in space. The continuous monitoring of cosmic ray intensity near Earth by neutron monitors since IGY 1957–1958 represents the longest continuous, high‐time‐resolution series of particle radiation measurements in space science.

Solar source of energetic particles in interplanetary space during the 2006 December 13 event

An X3.4 solar flare and a fast halo coronal mass ejection (CME) occurred on 2006 December 13, accompanied by a high flux of energetic particles recorded both in near-Earth space and at ground level. Our purpose is to provide evidence of flare acceleration in a major solar energetic particle (SEP) event. We first present observations from ACE/EPAM, GOES, and the Apatity neutron monitor. It is found that the initial particle release time coincides with the flare emission and that the spectrum becomes softer and the anisotropy becomes weaker during particle injection, indicating that the acceleration source changes from a confined coronal site to a widespread interplanetary CME-driven shock. We then describe a comprehensive study of the associated flare active region. By use of imaging data from HINODE/SOT and SOHO/MDI magnetogram, we infer the flare magnetic reconnection rate in the form of the magnetic flux change rate. This correlates in time with the microwave emission, indicating a physical link between the flare magnetic reconnection and the acceleration of nonthermal particles. Combining radio spectrograph data from Huairou/NOAC, Culgoora/IPS, Learmonth/RSTN, and WAVES/WIND leads to a continuous and longlasting radio burst extending from a few GHz down to several kHz. Based on the photospheric vector magnetogram from Huairou/NOAC and the nonlinear force free field (NFFF) reconstruction method, we derive the 3D magnetic field configuration shortly after the eruption. Furthermore, we also compute coronal field lines extending to a few solar radii using a potential-field source-surface (PFSS) model. Both the so-called type III-l burst and the magnetic field configuration suggest that open-field lines extend from the flare active region into interplanetary space, allowing the accelerated and charged particles escape.

Viewing radiation signatures of solar energetic particles in interplanetary space

A current serious limitation on the studies of solar energetic particle (SEP) events is that their properties in the inner heliosphere are studied only through in situ spacecraft observations. Our understanding of spatial distributions and temporal variations of SEP events has come through statistical studies of many such events over several solar cycles. In contrast, flare SEPs in the solar corona can be imaged through their radiative and collisional interactions with solar fields and particles. We suggest that the heliospheric SEPs may also interact with heliospheric particles and fields to produce signatures which can be remotely observed and imaged. A challenge with any such candidate signature is to separate it from that of flare SEPs. The optimum case for imaging high-energy ( E > 100 MeV) heliospheric protons may be the emission of π 0-decay γ-rays following proton collisions with solar wind (SW) ions. In the case of E > 1 MeV electrons, gyrosynchrotron radio emission may be the most readily detectible remote signal. In both cases we may already have observed one or two such events. Another radiative signature from nonthermal particles may be resonant transition radiation, which has likely already been observed from solar flare electrons. We discuss energetic neutrons as another possible remote signature, but we rule out γ-ray line and 0.511 MeV positron annihilation emission as observable signatures of heliospheric energetic ions. We are already acquiring global signatures of large inner-heliospheric SW density features and of heliosheath interactions between the SW and interstellar neutral ions. By finding an appropriate observable signature of remote heliospheric SEPs, we could supplement the in situ observations with global maps of energetic SEP events to provide a comprehensive view of SEP events.

Rate of proton intensity decay in solar cosmic ray events as a generalized characteristic of the interplanetary space

[1] The transport of solar energetic particles in interplanetary space is determined by the structure and dynamics of the solar wind between the source and the observer. The intensity time profile, in particular the decay phase, is determined by the transport processes. In this paper we discuss the decay phases of solar energetic proton events in the energy range 1‐48 MeV for the period 1974‐2001. For events with exponential shape of decay, the dependence of the characteristic time on the exponent of the energetic spectrum , the solar wind velocity V , and the proton energy E assumed in a form (E) = CE n is given. Such presentation allows us to consider the action of three main mechanisms of propagation (diusion, convection, and adiabatic cooling) that determine the value. It is shown that approximately half of decays with the constant value of V is described quite satisfactorily within the frame of the model with predominant convection and adiabatic deceleration in comparison with particle diusion. The dependence of n on heliolongitude of the parent flare (the source of particles) is investigated. INDEX TERMS: 2104 Interplanetary Physics: Cosmic rays; 2114 Interplanetary Physics: Energetic particles; 2194 Interplanetary Physics: Instruments and techniques;

Solar Energetic Particle Charge States: An Overview

The ionic charge distributions of solar energetic particles (SEP) as observed in interplanetary space provide fundamental information about the origin of these particles, and the acceleration and propagation processes at the Sun and in interplanetary space. In this paper we review the measurements of ionic charge states of energetic particles in interplanetary space and discuss their implication for our understanding of SEP sources, and acceleration and propagation processes.

Energetic Particle Observations

The characteristics of solar energetic particles (SEP) as observed in interplanetary space provide fundamental information about the origin of these particles, and the acceleration and propagation processes at the Sun and in interplanetary space. Furthermore, energetic particles provide information on the development and structure of coronal mass ejections as they propagate from the solar corona into the interplanetary medium. In this paper we review the measurements of energetic particles in interplanetary space and discuss their implication for our understanding of the sources, and of acceleration and propagation processes.

Quiet time particle acceleration in interplanetary space

We propose a model for the acceleration of charged particles in interplanetary space that appear during quiet time periods, that is, not associated with solar activity events like intense flares or coronal mass ejections. The interaction of charged particles with modeled turbulent electromagnetic fields, which mimic the fields observed in the interplanetary medium, is studied. The turbulence is modeled by means of a dynamical system,the Gledzer-Ohkitani-Yamada (GOY) shell model, which describes the gross features of the Navier-Stokes equations. The GOY model is used to build a 3-D velocity field, which in turn is used to numerically solve the ideal magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) induction equation, while the electric field is calculated from the ideal Ohm's law. Particle acceleration in such an environment is investigated by test particle simulations, and the resulting energy distributions are discussed and compared to observations of suprathermal electrons and ions during quiet periods in interplanetary space.

MODELING THE SPORADIC METEOROID BACKGROUND CLOUD

The orbital distributions of dust particles in interplanetary space are revised in the ESA meteoroid model to incorporate more observational data and to comply with the constraints due to the long-term particle dynamics under the planetary gravity and Poynting-Robertson effect. Infrared observations of the zodiacal cloud by the COBE Earth-bound observatory, flux measurements by the dust detectors on board Galileo and Ulysses spacecraft, and the crater size distributions on lunar rock samples retrieved by the Apollo missions are fused into a single model. Within the model, the orbital distributions are expanded into a sum of contributions due to a number of known sources, including the asteroid belt with the emphasis on the prominent families Themis, Koronis, Eos and Veritas, as well as comets on Jupiter-encountering orbits. An attempt to incorporate the meteor orbit database acquired by the Advanced Meteor Orbit Radar at Christchurch is also discussed.

Cassini between Earth and asteroid belt: first in-situ charge measurements of interplanetary grains

Dust particles in interplanetary space are expected to charge up to an electrostatic potential of about +5 V mostly by the solar UV (Horányi, 1996, Annu. Rev. Astrophys. 34, 383). Since the dynamics of charged grains may be quite different from neutral particles, the knowledge of the grain charge Q d is highly desirable. In the last two decades, several detectors on spacecraft were flown to measure the dust charge in-situ, but the instrumentation was not capable of determining the dust charge unambiguously. The Cosmic Dust Analyser (CDA) on the Cassini spacecraft includes a charge sensitive entrance grid system (QP detector). While entering the instrument, sufficiently charged particles induce a characteristic charge feature onto the grid system, which allows a reliable determination of Q d as well as of the impact speed v d . Here we report the first successful in-situ measurement of charged interplanetary dust grains by CDA. Amongst 37 impacts by interplanetary grains registered between November 1999 and January 2000, we identified 6 impacts whose QP signals show a clear feature caused by charged grains, corresponding to Q d between 1.3 and 5.4 fC. Knowledge of Q d also allows us to estimate the grain mass m d . Assuming a potential of φ d ≈+5 V and spheroidal grain morphologies with ratios of the maximum size to the minimum size of less than 2 the masses derived from Q d were found to be in excess of 10 −13 kg. The dynamics of such particles are dominated by the Sun's gravity. In the framework of the micro-meteoroid models of the Solar System these grains belong to the core population of interplanetary grains (Divine, 1993, J. Geophys. Res. 98, 17029). Furthermore, a rate of 6 impacts of grains with m d ⩾10 −13 kg during 107 days is in good agreement with the predictions of the interplanetary dust environment model by Staubach et al. (1997, Adv. Space Res. 19, 301). This result demonstrates that charge detectors as the CDA QP system offer a reliable in-situ technique for determining simultaneously both the mass and velocity of big interplanetary grains. The primary CDA subsystem to determine m d and v d , however, is an impact ionisation detector. The majority of the 37 recorded dust impacts produced impact charges are well outside the calibrated range. Moreover, these impacts were usually characterised by impact ionisation signals which differ significantly from signals taken in calibration experiments. In this paper we took advantage of the fact that the measurement of Q d is not affected by the subsequent impact of the grain with the detector. By relating m d and v d derived from Q d of the 6 QP impactors to their corresponding ionisation signals we show that in many cases even for energetic impacts outside the calibrated range meaningful values for the dust mass can be obtained. The observed deviations of the ionisation signals from the calibration measurements are likely due to the large amount of plasma generated by such impacts. We discuss the implications of these findings on a meaningful reduction of impact ionisation signals caused by big particle impacts. A new scheme to identify and to evaluate such signals is presented. These finding are of great importance for future Cassini measurements in the saturnian system.