Multiple peaks in the spectrum of inner belt electrons

Journal Article · Sun Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA090iA09p08333· OSTI ID:6200111

Datlowe, D W; Imhof, W L; Gaines, E E; Voss, H D

We report on a systematic study of energetic electron spectra in the inner magnetosphere. The observations were made from the low-altitude satellite S81-1 during the period June-November 1982. The electron spectrometers covered the energy range 6 keV to 1 MeV. In most geographic areas the electron energy spectra are smooth, but in the region of the South Atlantic Anomaly the spectra often consist of a series of broad peaks. The number of peaks is typically three, but may be as many as eight, or in some cases there may be none. The peak-to-valley ratios are often an order of magnitude or more. Peaks in the spectra of electrons from 100 keV to above 1 MeV at higher altitudes have been reported earlier in conjunction with geomagnetic storms. At the 250-km nominal altitude of the S81-1 observations, peaks in the energetic electron spectra are observed on most days and at all levels of geomagnetic activity.

• Research Organization: Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratories, California
• OSTI ID: 6200111
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 90:A9; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640203* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Magnetospheric Phenomena-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ALTITUDE
ELECTRON SPECTRA
ELECTRON SPECTROMETERS
ENERGY LEVELS
GEOGRAPHICAL VARIATIONS
MAGNETIC STORMS
MAGNETOSHEATH
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
SATELLITES
SPECTRA
SPECTROMETERS
VARIATIONS