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At least 361 records · Page 20

The Living With a Star CDAW on the Solar and Geospace Connections of Solar Energetic Particles

The Living With a Star Program is sponsoring its first CDAW (Coordinated Data Analysis Workshop) to be held July 23-26, 2002 at a conference support location near the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. This CDAW's topic is Solar Energetic Particle events. The topic was chosen due to the breadth of the impact of SEP's on the space environment and terrestrial climate. General goals of the LWS CDAW are a) Stimulate LWS Science on the near term, b) Facilitate cross-disciplinary interaction between the LWS scientific and space environment communities, c) Produce science products for all potential users, and d) Assist in the development of the LWS data system. The workshop will proceed similar to a previous CDAW held in 1999 on Interplanetary Type 11 Shocks. A list of target events has been compiled, which can be found at the workshop home page. The page lists all of the SEP events from 1996 January to 2001 December with energy > 10 MeV particle intensities exceeding 10 PFU. Preparation for the workshop consists of identifying relevant data from a wide variety of sources (solar, interplanetary, magnetospheric and climatary), accumulating the data (frequently this consists of both raw data, processed data and plots to ease perusal during the workshop) and gathering the software tools. Participants in the workshop are expected to complete their contributions of data or models prior to arriving at the workshop. Most of the CDAW consists of joint analysis of this data; only a few introductory talks are given at the beginning of the workshop, with the rest of the time being devoted to producing scientific results. Additional symposia may be scheduled at a later date, which will allow a venue for scientific talks on the CDAW results and associated science. The poster will list the scientific goals of the workshop, as well as a scientific discussion of the data which has been accumulated thus far.

Thompson, Barbara J.↗

Multipoint Observations of Coronal Mass Ejection and Solar Energetic Particle Events on Mars and Earth During November 2001

Multipoint spacecraft observations provide unique opportunities to constrain the propagation and evolution of interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) throughout the heliosphere. Using Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) data to study both ICME and solar energetic particle (SEP) events at Mars and OMNI and Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) data to study ICMEs and SEPs at Earth, we present a detailed study of three CMEs and flares in late November 2001. In this period, Mars trailed Earth by 56deg solar longitude so that the two planets occupied interplanetary magnetic field lines separated by only approx.25deg. We model the interplanetary propagation of CME events using the ENLIL version 2.6 3-D MHD code coupled with the Wang-Sheeley-Arge version 1.6 potential source surface model, using Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO) images to determine CME input parameters. We find that multipoint observations are essential to constrain the simulations of ICME propagation, as two very different ICMEs may look very similar in only one observational location. The direction and width of the CME as parameters essential to a correct estimation of arrival time and amplitude of the ICME signal. We find that these are problematic to extract from the analysis of SOHO/LASCO images commonly used for input to ICME propagation models. We further confirm that MGS magnetometer and electron reflectometer data can be used to study not only ICME events but also SEP events at Mars, with good results providing a consistent picture of the events when combined with near-Earth data.

Falkenberg, T. V.↗

Energetic particles in the earth's magnetic field.

Radiation belts, energetic charged particle flux and trapped radiation in geomagnetic field as result of neutron albedo decay and plasma- magnetic field interactions

PLASMA-ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERACTION↗

Solar modulation of energetic particles and cosmic-ray deposition

The intensity of energetic charged particles (cosmic rays) in the inner solar system is observed to vary with time over a variety of time scales. The sun is the ultimate cause of these variations, although in some cases the precise mechanism leading to the change is not yet known. Cosmic rays of solar origin are produced sporadically in solar flares. The events can be intense and last for hours (high energies) to days (lower energies), and the variation from event to event is large. Below roughly 200 MeV energy the intensity averaged over a solar cycle is dominated by solar cosmic rays, so that time variations below this energy are governed by the variations in the frequency and intensity of solar flares. Galactic cosmic rays are present continuously and dominate the average intensity above about 200 MeV. They are 'modulated' by the sun and have their lowest intensity during high solar activity. The physical agent causing changes in the galactic cosmic ray intensity is the solar-wind-entrained magnetic field. The impact of our still somewhat limited understanding of shorter-term variations (over one or two solar cycles) upon the interpretation of longer-term variations is briefly discussed.

Jokipii, J. R.↗

Solar energetic particles as probes of the structures of magnetic clouds

Two possible closed magnetic topologies are considered for clouds: an elongated bottle with field lines rooted at both ends in the sun and a magnetic bubble or plasmoid consisting of closed field lines. Solar energetic particles (SEPs) are used as probes of the cloud topologies. The rapid access of SEPs to clouds in many events indicates that the cloud field lines extend back to the sun.

Kahler, S. W.↗

The Extended Field-Aligned Suprathermal Proton Beam and Long-Lasting Trapped Energetic Particle Population Observed Upstream of a Transient Interplanetary Shock

The properties of the suprathermal particle distributions observed upstream of interplanetary shocks depend not only on the properties of the shocks but also on the transport conditions encountered by the particles as they propagate away from the shocks. The confinement of particles in close proximity to the shocks, as well as particle scattering processes during propagation to the spacecraft, lead to the common observation of upstream diffuse particle distributions. We present observations of a rare extended anisotropic low-energy(≤30 keV)proton beam together with a trapped ≥500 keV proton population observed in association with the arrival of an oblique interplanetary shock at the Advanced Composition Explorer, the Interplanetary Monitoring Platform-8, and the Wind spacecraft on 2001 January 31. Continuous injection of particles by the traveling shock into a smooth radial magnetic field region formed in the tail of a modest high-speed solar wind stream produced an extended foreshock region of energetic particles. The absence of enhanced magnetic field fluctuations upstream of the shock results in the observation of a prolonged anisotropic field-aligned beam of ≤30 keV protons as well as a population of higher-energy(≥500 keV)protons with small pitch-angle cosine(μ∼0)extending far from the shock.

D. Lario↗

Prediction of the energetic particle redistribution by an improved critical gradient model and analysis of the transport threshold

Based on the theory of critical gradient model (CGM) and following the simulation method proposed by Waltz et al., a combination of TGLFEP and EPtran code is employed to predict the energetic particle (EP) transport induced by Alfvén eigenmodes (AEs). To be consistent with the experiment, recent improvements to the simulation method include consideration of threshold evolution and orbit loss due to finite orbit width. The revised CGM is applied to simulate two DIII-D experimental discharges (#142111 and #153071). It well reproduces the experimental profiles with multiple unstable AEs and large-scale EP transport. Discharge #142111 had previously been simulated using a nonlinear MHD-kinetic code MEGA with a transport mechanism based on stochasticity induced by overlapping AE. By comparing the simulated EP profiles, we find that the AE transport threshold is approximated by both the MEGA nonlinear stability threshold and the proposed CGM threshold (error <5% for single n and <17% for multiple n simulation). Both of them are larger than the linear stability threshold of the most unstable AE mode by a quantity of the order of the flux needed to sustain EP transport by the background turbulence. Additionally, we have also applied the improved CGM to simulate the α particle redistribution for a China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor steady state scenario. Because of the clear separation between the AE unstable region and the loss cone, only a moderate α particle loss of ~9.6% is predicted.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Galilean satellites and Jovian energetic particles

The observed infrared temperatures of the four Galilean satellites, Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, are inconsistent with their equilibrium temperatures. Since these satellites appear to have little or no atmosphere, the discrepancies may be explained as due to the heating of their surfaces by energetic particles from Jupiter's radiation belts. The required energy fluxes are not entirely unreasonable and decrease with the distance of the satellite orbit from Jupiter.

Gross, S. H.↗

Solar Sources of Earth-affecting Energetic Particles

Particle radiation from the Sun is one of the most important sources of hazardous space weather in the vicinity of Earth. Detailed studies of the origin of the so-called large solar energetic particle (SEP) events became possible only during the solar cycle 23, thanks to the availability of nearly continuous observation of the solar sources ofthese events. In particular, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are found to be a key requirement for the occurrence of an SEP event, have been recorded continuously only starting in the 1990s. The physical connection between CMEs and SEPs is that the CMEs drive a fast-mode MHD shock, which accelerates SEPs in the corona and interplanetary medium. The earliest indication of a shock is the occurrence of a type II radio burst at frequencies anywhere from more than a hundred MHz to a few MHz. Recent investigations using STEREO observations have revealed that the shock forms very close to the Sun - a mere 100,000 km above the surface. The shock formation depends not only on the CME properties, but also on the physical conditions in the ambient medium that supports shock propagation. This paper considers extreme cases of SEP events and the associated CMEs and type II radio bursts to illustrate the variability observed in SEP event properties. Comparison will be made between the events of solar cycles 23 and 24.

Gopalswamy, Nat↗

Heliocentric Distance of Coronal Mass Ejections at the Time of Energetic Particle Release: Revisiting the Ground Level Enhancement Events of Solar Cycle 23

Using the kinematics of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), onset time of soft X-ray flares, and the finite size of the pre-eruption CME structure, we derive the heliocentric distan~e at which the energetic particles during the ground level enhancement (GLE) events of Solar Cycle 23. We find that the GLE particles are released when the CMEs reach an average heliocentric distance of approx.3.25 solar radii (Rs). From this we infer that the shocks accelerating the particles are located at similar heights. Type II radio burst observations indicate that the CMEs are at much lower distances (average approx.1.4 Rs) when the CME-driven shock first forms. The shock seems to travel approx.1.8 Rs over a period of approox.30 min on the average before releasing the GLE particles. In deriving these results, we made three assumptions that have observational support: (i) the CME lift off occurs from an initial distance of about 1.25 Rs; (ii) the flare onset and CME onset are one and the same because these are two different manifestations of the same eruption; and (iii) the CME has positive acceleration from the onset to the first appearance in the coronagraphic field of view (2.5 to 6 Rs). Observations of coronal cavities in eclipse pictures and in coronagraphic images justify the assumption (i). The close relationship between the flare reconnection magnetic flux and the azimuthal flux of interplanetary magnetic clouds justify assumption (ii) consistent with the standard model (CSHKP) of solar eruption. Coronagraphic observations made close to the solar surface indicate a large positive acceleration of CMEs to a heliocentric distance of approx.3 Rs before they start slowing down due to the drag force. The inferred acceleration (approx.1.5 km/s/s) is consistent with reported values in the literature.

Gopalswamy, Natchimuthuk↗

Interplanetary propagation of less than 1-MeV protons in nonimpulsive energetic particle events

An investigation is conducted regarding the existence of measurable transverse diffusive transport for 0.3- to 0.5 MeV protons. The study focuses on 1-hour averaged proton anisotropy data measured by detectors on board the earth-orbiting IMP 7 and 8 spacecraft. The data is restricted to nonimpulsive energetic particle events which are not explicitly associated with solar flares. It is established to within the limits of the measurements using 1-hour averages, that in nonimpulsive 0.3- to 0.5-MeV proton events as measured in the Newtonian inertial frame of the solar system, the anisotropy is predominantly transverse to the magnetic field and most hourly averages of the transverse component are essentially due to the particles' E x B drift.

Zwickl, R. D.↗

Toroidal modeling of anisotropic thermal transport and energetic particle effects on stability of resistive plasma resistive wall mode

Effects of anisotropic thermal transport on the linear stability of the resistive plasma resistive wall mode (RPRWM) are investigated by the magnetohydrodynamic-kinetic hybrid code MARS-K [Liu et al., Phys. Plasmas 15, 112503 (2008)], including the kinetic contribution from energetic particles (EPs). It is found that thermal transport can further stabilize the RPRWM in the presence of drift kinetic contributions from EPs. This is different from the fluid model, which always predicts destabilization of the mode by thermal transport. Furthermore, the thermal transport effect is found to amplify the role played by an adiabatic term, associated with the radial distribution of EPs’ birth energy, in modifying the mode stability as well as the mode eigenfunction. The shape of the equilibrium profiles of EPs, in particular that of the temperature, is also found to strongly affect the mode stabilization. This profile effect is more pronounced in the absence of thermal transport. MARS-K computations show that the stabilizing effect by thermal transport is more likely to occur at slower plasma rotation and lower EP energy.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Observed distribution functions of H, He, C, O, and Fe in corotating energetic particle streams - Implications for interplanetary acceleration and propagation

Distribution functions for H, He, C, O, and Fe derived from our IMP 8 measurements of about 0.15 to 8 MeV per nucleon particles in three corotating streams observed near Earth are shown to have a simple exponential dependence on the particle speed. The e-folding speed, typically 0.01c, is found to be the same for the distribution functions of all elements examined, and varies little from one corotating event to the next. The relative abundances of energetic particles in these events resemble most closely the solar coronal composition and thus, presumably, that of the solar wind. These results may imply that acceleration of these particles, which occurs in corotating interaction regions at several AU from the sun, is by a statistical process.

Gloeckler, G.↗

Observation of the Radiation Environment and Solar Energetic Particle Events in Mars Orbit in May 2018- June 2022

Epithermal Neutron Detector (FREND). Here we present results from measurements of the charged particle fluxes, dose rates and estimation of dose equivalent rates at ExoMars TGO Mars science orbit, provided by Liulin-MO from May 2018 to June 2022. The period of measurements covers the declining and minimum phases of the solar activity in 24th solar cycle and the rising phase of the 25th cycle. Compared are the radiation values of the galactic cosmic rays (GCR) obtained during the different phases of the solar activity. The highest values of the dose rate and flux from GCR are registered from March to August 2020. At the minimum of 24th and transition to 25th solar cycle the dose rate from GCR is 15.9 ± 1.6 µGy h−1, particle flux is 3.3 ± 0.17 cm−2 s−1, dose equivalent rate is 72.3 ± 14.4 µSv h−1. Since September 2020 the dose rate and flux of GCR decrease. Particular attention is drawn to the observation of the solar energetic particle (SEP) events in July, September and October 2021, February and March 2022 as well as their effects on the radiation environment on TGO during the corresponding periods. The SEP event during15–19 February 2022 is the most powerful event observed in our data. The SEP dose during this event is 13.8 ± 1.4 mGy (in Si), the SEP dose equivalent is 21.9 ± 4.4 mSv. SEP events recorded in Mars orbit are related to coronal mass ejections (CME) observed by SOHO and STEREO A coronagraphs. Compared are the time profiles of the count rates measured by Liulin-MO, the neutron detectors of FREND and neutron detectors of the High Energy Neutron Detector (HEND) aboard Mars Odyssey during 15–19 February 2022 event. The data obtained is important for the knowledge of the radiation environment around Mars, regarding future manned and robotic flights to the planet. The data for SEP events in Mars orbit during July 2021-March 2022 contribute to the details on the solar activity at a time when Mars is on the opposite side of the Sun from Earth.

Jordanka Semkova↗

Observed distribution functions of H, He, C, O, and Fe in corotating energetic particle streams: Implications for interplanetary acceleration and propagation

Distribution functions for H, He, C, O, and Fe derived from our IMP 8 measurements of approximately 0.15 to approximately 8 MeV/nucleon particles in three corotating streams observed near earth are shown to have a simple exponential dependence on the particle speed. The e-folding speed, v sub o, is typically 0.01c, is found to be the same for the distribution functions of all elements examined, and varies little from one corotating event to the next. The relative abundances of energetic particles in these events resemble most closely the solar coronal composition and, thus, presumably that of the solar wind. These results may imply that the acceleration of these particles, which occurs in corotating interaction regions at several AU from the sun, is by a statistical process.

Gloeckler, G.↗

Tutorial on Solar Energetic-Particle Events

Particles from the Sun at energies above approx. 1 MeV/nucleon have been studied in space for over 35 years. There have been major advances in instrumentation for studying elemental and isotopic composition, kinetic energy, charge states, time intensity histories, and anisotropies of energetic particles. There have also been extensive improvements in the observations of solar phenomena, including radio bursts, Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), and solar photons from soft X-ray to gamma-ray energies. Despite these advances, there is a lack of agreement as to the acceleration processes responsible for the particles seen in space shortly after the solar event. In particular, the relative importance of solar flares and CME-driven shocks is disputed for events of moderate to larger size. The reasons for this will be reviewed, and the prospects for resolving this issue will be evaluated.

vonRosenvinge, Tycho T.↗

Extreme Energetic Particle Events By Superflare-Associated CMES From Solar-Like Stars

Discovery of frequent superflares on active cool stars opened a new avenue in understanding the properties of eruptive events and their impact on exoplanetary environments. Solar data suggest that coronal mass ejections (CMEs) should be associated with superflares on active solar-like planet hosts and produce solar/stellar energetic particle (SEP/StEP) events. Here, we apply the 2D Particle Acceleration and Transport in the Heliosphere model to simulate the SEPs accelerated via CME-driven shocks from the Sun and young solar-like stars. We derive the scaling of SEP fluence and hardness of energy spectra with CME speed and associated flare energy. These results have crucial implications for the prebiotic chemistry and expected atmospheric biosignatures from young rocky exoplanets as well as the chemistry and isotopic composition of circumstellar disks around infant solar-like stars.

Junxiang Hu↗

Magnetospheric reconnection, substorms, and energetic particle acceleration

The steady state reconnection model of the terrestrial magnetosphere predicts a maximum potential drop of about 100 kV across the tail. During substorms particles are accelerated to energies above 1 MeV. At substorm onset, large inductive emfs may be generated by explosive tearing mode reconnection which is driven nonlinearly unstable by the solar wind and convection stresses on the tail plasma sheet. In the inner magnetosphere, energetic particles are also produced by stochastic wave turbulent acceleration and by convection driven inward radial diffusion.

Coroniti, F. V.↗