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Photoelectron Imaging of Anions Illustrated by 310 Nm Detachment of F−
Published on: July 27, 2018
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The IMAP-Ultra Energetic Neutral Atom (ENA) Imager
Matina Gkioulidou1, G B Clark1, D G Mitchell1
1Applied Physics Laboratory, The Johns Hopkins University, Laurel, MD 20723 USA.
Space Science Reviews
|December 29, 2025
Summary
NASA's IMAP-Ultra instrument maps energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) in the heliosphere. It provides high-resolution ENA maps to track variations in the outer heliosphere, crucial for understanding space weather.
Area of Science:
- Space Physics
- Heliophysics
- Astrophysics
Background:
- The outer heliosphere is influenced by energetic particles.
- Energetic Neutral Atoms (ENAs) are key indicators of these particle interactions.
- Understanding ENA emissions helps map heliospheric processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the capabilities of the IMAP-Ultra instrument.
- To demonstrate Ultra's ability to measure high-energy ENAs.
- To highlight Ultra's contribution to heliospheric mapping.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the IMAP spacecraft in orbit around L1.
- Employing the IMAP-Ultra instrument with two sensors (Ultra90 and Ultra45).
- Measuring hydrogen ENAs from ~3 - 300 keV with high spatial resolution.
Main Results:
- Ultra measures high-energy ENAs (H) from 5 - 40 keV, with demonstrated range up to 300 keV.
- Achieved angular resolution of ≤ 6° FWHM for ≥ 10 keV H ENAs.
- Generated full heliosphere maps with high spatial resolution.
Conclusions:
- IMAP-Ultra provides unprecedented high-resolution ENA maps of the heliosphere.
- These observations enable tracking of solar cycle and other variations.
- Ultra is crucial for understanding particle acceleration and transport in the outer heliosphere.
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