Electron-scale measurements of magnetic reconnection in space
File(s)science-burch-submitted.pdf (19.22 MB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Magnetic reconnection is a fundamental physical process in plasmas whereby stored magnetic energy is converted into heat and kinetic energy of charged particles. Reconnection occurs in many astrophysical plasma environments and in laboratory plasmas. Using very high time resolution measurements, NASA’s Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) has found direct evidence for electron demagnetization and acceleration at sites along the sunward boundary of Earth’s magnetosphere where the interplanetary magnetic field reconnects with the terrestrial magnetic field. We have (i) observed the conversion of magnetic energy to particle energy, (ii) measured the electric field and current, which together cause the dissipation of magnetic energy, and (iii) identified the electron population that carries the current as a result of demagnetization and acceleration within the reconnection diffusion/dissipation region.
Date Issued
2016-06-03
Date Acceptance
2016-05-03
Citation
Science, 2016, 352 (6290)
ISSN
1095-9203
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Journal / Book Title
Science
Volume
352
Issue
6290
Copyright Statement
© 2016, American Association for the Advancement of Science
Sponsor
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Science and Technology Facilities Council [2006-2012]
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Grant Number
ST/K001051/1
ST/K001051/1
ST/N000692/1
Subjects
Science & Technology
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Science & Technology - Other Topics
MULTISCALE MMS MISSION
DIFFUSION REGION
MAGNETOSPHERIC MULTISCALE
EARTHS MAGNETOPAUSE
ACCELERATION
General Science & Technology
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2016-05-12