Physics
Scientific paper
Feb 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009jgra..11402208h&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 114, Issue A2, CiteID A02208
Physics
5
Planetary Sciences: Fluid Planets: Magnetospheres (2756), Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Jupiter, Magnetospheric Physics: Magnetotail, Magnetospheric Physics: Magnetopause And Boundary Layers, Magnetospheric Physics: Magnetospheric Configuration And Dynamics
Scientific paper
The New Horizons spacecraft offered a unique opportunity to explore the distant Jovian magnetotail to over 2565 Jovian Radii. Previous observations of ion abundances were available only out to ~150 Jovian Radii. During the 100+-day exploration of the magnetotail, New Horizons observed a number of energetic particle bursts, similar to particle bursts observed by Galileo much closer to Jupiter. We examine the composition of these dynamic structures and compare the ion abundances with those found in more quiescent regions. We show that the composition of these energetic bursts is Iogenic and suggest it is within these bursts that Jupiter releases the bulk of its energetic material. We report on the ion composition ratios as a function distance down the Jovian magnetotail, finding an increasing intrusion of interplanetary He into the tail with distance from the planet. These observations show that the radial gradients in particle flux observed by Galileo in the magnetotail close to Jupiter extend deep into the magnetotail. We observed large electron intensities at the noon magnetopause crossing and continuous strong 10-h modulations in electron intensity to nearly 500 Jovian Radii toward the tail. Our current hypothesis is that Jupiter enforces azimuthal rotation on some fields to distances of over a few hundred Jovian Radii. At distances greater than 500 Jovian Radii we observed long-duration periods of strong electron anisotropy beaming down the magnetotail. Intermittent observations of 10-h electron modulations continue into distant regions of the magnetotail and we suggest these are a signature of occasional field line connection to the magnetosphere.
Haggerty Dennis K.
Hill Matthew E.
McNutt Ralph L.
Paranicas Chris
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