DE-1 observations of counterstreaming electrons at high altitudes

Journal Article · Wed Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/GL009i009p00925· OSTI ID:6836871

Lin, C S; Burch, J L; Winningham, J D; Menietti, J D; Hoffman, R A

Observations of plasma at altitudes of 2-3 R/sub E/ with the High Altitude Plasma Instrument (HAPI) on DE-1 indicate two distinct types of counterstreaming electron events. The type 1 event is characterized by two Maxwellian distribution functions, an isotropic high-temperature component and a field-aligned low temperature component. The type 2 event is distinguished by beams parallel and antiparallel to the magnetic field direction. The observations suggest two distinct mechanisms for accelerating counterstreaming electrons. Type 1 events appear to involve wave-particle interactions while type 2 events imply direct acceleration by oppositely-directed electric fields pointing toward the satellite along magnetic field lines.

• Research Organization: Department of Space Sciences, Soutwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78284
• OSTI ID: 6836871
• Journal Information: Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 9:9; ISSN GPRLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640203* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Magnetospheric Phenomena-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
CHARGED-PARTICLE PRECIPITATION
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRON PRECIPITATION
ELECTRONS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
FERMIONS
INSTABILITY
LEPTONS
MAGNETOSPHERE
PLASMA
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MACROINSTABILITIES
RADIATION STREAMING
TRAPPED-PARTICLE INSTABILITY