FAST observations of preferentially accelerated He+ in association with auroral electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves

Academic Article

Abstract

  • The TEAMS instrument on the FAST satellite has detected events in which He+ ions are resonantly accelerated perpendicular to the magnetic field to energies of several keV. The events occur in association with electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves and conic distributions of up to a few hundred eV in H+ and a few keV in O+. Concentrations of He+ can be significantly elevated during the events. Our interpretation is that the He+ ions are accelerated through a cyclotron resonance with the waves. This acceleration is similar to a proposed mechanism for selective ion acceleration in impulsive solar flares.
  • Authors

  • Lund, EJ
  • Mobius, E
  • Tang, L
  • Kistler, Lynn
  • Popecki, MA
  • Klumpar, DM
  • Peterson, WK
  • Shelley, EG
  • Klecker, B
  • Hovestadt, D
  • Temerin, M
  • Ergun, RE
  • McFadden, JP
  • Carlson, CW
  • Mozer, FS
  • Elphic, RC
  • Strangeway, RJ
  • Cattell, CA
  • Pfaff, RF
  • Status

    Publication Date

  • June 15, 1998
  • Published In

    Digital Object Identifier (doi)

    Start Page

  • 2049
  • End Page

  • 2052
  • Volume

  • 25
  • Issue

  • 12