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Closed fluxtubes and dispersive proton conics at Jupiter's polar cap
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Closed fluxtubes and dispersive proton conics at Jupiter's polar cap

Jamey R. Szalay, George Clark, George Livadiotis, David J. McComas, Donald G. Mitchell, Jamie S. Rankin, Ali H. Sulaiman, Frederic Allegrini, Fran Bagenal, Robert W. Ebert, …
Geophysical research letters, Vol.49(9), pp.e2022GL098741-n/a
05/16/2022
DOI: 10.1029/2022GL098741
PMCID: PMC9285739
PMID: 35859815
url
https://doi.org/10.1029/2022GL098741View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Two distinct proton populations are observed over Jupiter's southern polar cap: a approximately 1 keV core population and approximately 1-300 keV dispersive conic population at 6-7 R (sub J) 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 approximately 3-5 R (sub J) . 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. Abstract Copyright (2022). The Authors.
Extraterrestrial geology fluxtubes giant planets Juno Mission Jupiter magmatism magnetic field magnetosphere outer planets planets polar caps protons

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