Analysis of data from a series of Van Allen Probes and ARASE satellite conjunctions to determine the spatial scale of magnetospheric wave modes and their effects on radiation belt particles

Abstract:

We will present Van Allen Probe and ARASE observations of particle dynamics resulting from wave-particle interactions with whistler, hiss and other magnetospheric wave modes during a series of conjunctions between the spacecrafts. We have identified several magnetic and geographic conjunctions between the satellites. With the EFW instrument we are collecting continuous burst mode waveform data during and around the conjunctions, and the ARASE and EMFISIS instruments are collecting burst mode data as well. Initial studies from the first several conjunctions reveal both correlated and uncorrelated whistler and hiss waves on the two satellites. Correlation and polarization analysis of the wave observations will help us determine the spatial scale of these waves, which is essential to understanding how these and other waves modes occur and interact with various plasma populations in the inner magnetosphere. Such waves have been shown to play an important role in both the energization and loss of radiation belt electrons, which is an important aspect of the Van Allen Probes mission. Additionally, analysis of particle data from MagEIS, HOPE and the rest of the ECT suite onboard Van Allen Probes, as well as energetic particle detectors onboard ARASE, will reveal the spatial extent of the loss mechanisms of these wave modes. Understanding the nature and scale of different magnetospheric wave modes is of great importance for understanding the processes which transport, energize and scatter energetic particles in the inner magnetosphere.