Dynamics of Earth’s Radiation Belts and space Weather

Abstract:

The Earth's radiation belt dynamics are driven by a number of physical processes, which affect low energy cold plasma to relativistic and ultra-relativistic particle populations. In particular the outer radiation belt comprises mainly of energetic electron populations, which span wide range of energies, intensities, vary on times ranging from minutes, days and even years. It is important to fully understand this variability in order to predict particle intensities as they have beern implicated as a space weather hazard. For example, the phenomenon of deep dieletric discharge may damage spacecraft resulting in diminished functionality or even complete loss. I will review our recent understaning of radiation belts, in particular the outer zone, from the vantge point of the recent Van Allen Probes mission. New observations from the twin spacecraft Van Allen Probes have advanced our understanding of fundamental questions regarding the acceleration and loss of outer Van Allen belt electron population. I will also the significant role of CubeSats that may lead to a paradigm shift in the way space based observations are carried out, e.g., by enabling multipoint observations. I am currently leading a CubeSat mission; CeREs, the Compact Radiation belt Explorer, and actively involved in proposing new interplanetary and multi-CubeSat missions. CeREs is expected to launch December 2018 and provide high quality measurements of radiation belt electrons, especailly microbursts.