Publication Date:
2012-05-11
Description:
We present the first direct observations of equatorial electron phase space density (PSD) as a function of the three adiabatic invariants throughout the outer radiation belt using data from the Solid State Telescopes on THEMIS-D. We estimate errors in PSD that result from data fitting and uncertainty in the calculation of the second and third invariants based on performance-weighted results from seven different magnetic field models. The PSD gradients beyond geosynchronous orbit (GEO) are energy dependent, revealing different source regions for the relativistic and non-relativistic populations. Specifically, the PSD distribution of outer belt relativistic electrons is peaked near L* ≈ 5.5. These features are typical for the outer belt, based on a survey of a two-month period from 01 Feb.–31 Mar. 2010. The results are consistent with previous studies, which were based on off-equatorial observations, but remove the high uncertainties introduced from mapping by using truly equatorial measurements (i.e., within only a few degrees of the magnetic equator) and quantifying the error in PSD. The newly calibrated THEMIS-SST dataset forms a powerful tool for exploration of the near-Earth magnetosphere, especially when combined with the upcoming RBSP mission.
Print ISSN:
0094-8276
Electronic ISSN:
1944-8007
Topics:
Geosciences
,
Physics
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