A kinetic study of solar wind electrons: Implications for a mission close to the sun

Details A kinetic study of solar wind electrons: Implications for a mission close to the sun A kinetic study of solar wind electrons: Implications for a mission close to the sun

Jan 1997

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1997aipc..385..189l&link_type=abstract

Scientific basis for robotic exploration close to the sun. AIP Conference Proceedings, Volume 385, pp. 189-196 (1997).

Physics

1

Particle Emission, Solar Wind, Solar Wind Plasma, Sources Of Solar Wind, Magnetohydrodynamics And Plasmas, Solar Instruments

Scientific paper

We have modelled the evolution of the electron velocity distribution function in high-speed solar wind streams, from the collision-dominated corona and into the collisionless interplanetary space. The model solves the kinetic transport equation, with the Fokker-Planck collision operator to describe Coulomb collisions between electrons. We use a test particle approach, where test electrons are injected into a background solar wind. The density, temperature and electric field associated with the background are obtained from a three-fluid solar wind model. The test electrons are in thermal equilibrium with the background at the base of the corona, and we study the evolution of the velocity distribution of the test electrons as a function of altitude. We find that the test particle distribution function is mainly determined by the electric field and the expanding geometry, and to a lesser extent by collisions. The distribution function consists of an almost isotropic, static core which is bound in the electrostatic potential, and a beam-like high-energy tail which escapes. Velocity filtration, due to the energy dependence of the Coulomb cross section, is not alone capable of producing significant beams in the distribution or a temperature moment that increases with altitude. The distribution function is in excellent agreement with the distribution functions observed by the Helios spacecraft in high-speed streams near the orbit of Mercury.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

A kinetic study of solar wind electrons: Implications for a mission close to the sun does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with A kinetic study of solar wind electrons: Implications for a mission close to the sun, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A kinetic study of solar wind electrons: Implications for a mission close to the sun will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1783430