Abstract
Two distinct proton populations are observed over Jupiter's southern polar cap: a ∼1 keV core population and ∼1–300 keV dispersive conic population at 6–7 RJ planetocentric distance. We find the 1 keV core protons are likely the seed population for the higher-energy dispersive conics, which are accelerated from a distance of ∼3–5 RJ. Transient wave-particle heating in a “pressure-cooker” process is likely responsible for this proton acceleration. The plasma characteristics and composition during this period show Jupiter's polar-most field lines can be topologically closed, with conjugate magnetic footpoints connected to both hemispheres. Finally, these observations demonstrate energetic protons can be accelerated into Jupiter's magnetotail via wave-particle coupling.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | e2022GL098741 |
Journal | Geophysical Research Letters |
Volume | 49 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 16 2022 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Geophysics
- General Earth and Planetary Sciences