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Magnetospheric Multiscale Satellites Observations of Parallel Electric Fields Associated with Magnetic Reconnection
R E Ergun1,2, K A Goodrich1,2, F D Wilder2
1Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80303, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|June 25, 2016
Summary
Magnetospheric Multiscale satellites observed large parallel electric fields (E_{∥}) during magnetic reconnection. These findings suggest reconnection is often patchy and drives turbulence, forming flux ropes and tangled magnetic fields.
Area of Science:
- Space Physics
- Plasma Physics
- Astrophysics
Background:
- Magnetic reconnection is a fundamental process in space plasmas, crucial for energy transfer.
- Understanding magnetopause reconnection is key to comprehending Earth's space environment and solar-terrestrial interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate parallel electric fields (E_{∥}) associated with magnetic reconnection at Earth's magnetopause.
- To characterize the nature and implications of observed E_{∥} events.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) satellites.
- Analyzed in-situ observations of electric and magnetic fields in the magnetopause subsolar region.
Main Results:
- Observed large-amplitude, near unipolar E_{∥} spikes (approx. 100 mV/m) near the electron diffusion region.
- These E_{∥} events are linked to tangled magnetic fields and current layers near the separatrix.
- Interpreted E_{∥} events as double layers potentially driving secondary reconnection or flux rope formation.
Conclusions:
- The observed E_{∥} events suggest a three-dimensional and complex nature of magnetopause reconnection.
- Magnetopause reconnection may frequently be patchy, leading to turbulence, flux ropes, and tangled magnetic fields along the separatrix.
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