Journal article
The TRACERS Analyzer for Cusp Electrons
Space science reviews, Vol.221(1), 21
02/01/2025
DOI: 10.1007/s11214-025-01147-9
PMCID: PMC11828801
PMID: 39958870
Abstract
The Analyzer for Cusp Electrons (ACE) instruments on the Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites (TRACERS) mission provide measurements of electron velocity distribution functions from two closely spaced spacecraft in a low Earth orbit that passes through the magnetospheric cusp. The precipitating and upward-going electrons provide a sensitive probe of the magnetic field line topology and electrostatic potential structure, as well as revealing dynamic processes. ACE measurements contribute to the top-level TRACERS goals of characterizing the spatial and temporal variation of magnetic reconnection at the terrestrial magnetopause and its relationship to dynamic structures in the cusp. ACE utilizes a classic hemispheric electrostatic analyzer on a spinning platform to provide full angular coverage with 10 degree by 7 degree resolution. ACE can measure electrons over an energy range of 20-13,500 electron volts, with fractional energy resolution of 19%. ACE provides 50 ms cadence measurements of the electron velocity distribution, enabling sub-kilometer spatial resolution of cusp boundaries and other structures.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The TRACERS Analyzer for Cusp Electrons
- Creators
- Jasper S. Halekas - Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of IowaChristian Hansen - University of IowaSuranga Ruhunusiri - Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Iowa, Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of ColoradoDavid Sheets - Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of IowaAntonio Washington - University of IowaRichard M. Beals - Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of IowaScott R. Bounds - University of IowaAndrew Carton - Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of IowaIvar W. Christopher - University of IowaDanielle Crawford - Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of IowaKatherine Deasy - Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of IowaJeffrey S. Dolan - Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of IowaRichard Dvorsky - University of IowaConnor Feltman - University of IowaGarret Hinson - Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of IowaSamuel Hisel - University of IowaAmanda Lasko - University of IowaAidan Moore - Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of IowaKatherine Morris - University of IowaChris W. Piker - University of IowaKevin Steele - Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of IowaDarrelle Wilkinson - University of IowaCraig A. Kletzing - University of IowaDavid M. Miles - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Space science reviews, Vol.221(1), 21
- DOI
- 10.1007/s11214-025-01147-9
- PMID
- 39958870
- PMCID
- PMC11828801
- NLM abbreviation
- Space Sci Rev
- ISSN
- 0038-6308
- eISSN
- 1572-9672
- Publisher
- Springer Netherlands
- Grant note
- 80GSFC18C0008 / National Aeronautics and Space Administration (http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100000104)
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 02/01/2025
- Academic Unit
- Physics and Astronomy
- Record Identifier
- 9984787234402771
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