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Ion Cyclotron Waves Associated With Ionospheric Outflow at Jupiter

  • E. A. Skinner
  • , A. H. Sulaiman
  • , J. R. Szalay
  • , N. S. Kruegler
  • , R. L. Lysak
  • , Y. Sarkango
  • , W. S. Kurth
  • , G. Clark
  • , S. J. Bolton

Research output: Contribution to journalLetterpeer-review

Abstract

The mechanism driving ion outflow from Jupiter's auroras remains to be determined. (Formula presented.) outflow has been observed with highly field-aligned pitch angles consistent with acceleration by high-altitude electrostatic potential structures. However, the cold ionospheric ions require a pre-acceleration mechanism to reach Jupiter's large escape speed and access the potential structures. Here we present case studies of (Formula presented.) outflow coincident with intense (Formula presented.) ion cyclotron waves (ICWs). We invoke resonant wave heating to suggest a causality between the two phenomena. We further investigate Landau resonance with auroral electron beams as a plausible source of free energy using cold plasma theory, finding that electron energies between 10 and 100 keV produce results consistent with ICW observations. (Formula presented.) and (Formula presented.) ICWs are likewise present, which we suggest indicates that Jovian ion outflow is a multi-species process.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere2026GL121914
JournalGeophysical Research Letters
Volume53
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - May 28 2026

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Geophysics
  • General Earth and Planetary Sciences

Keywords

  • Jupiter
  • aurora
  • ionosphere
  • outflow

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