Electron Dynamics in the Diffusion Region of an Asymmetric Magnetic Reconnection

• During a magnetopause crossing near the subsolar point Cluster observes the ion diffusion region of antiparallel magnetic reconnection. The reconnecting plasmas are asymmetric, differing in magnetic field strength, density, and temperature. Spatial changes in the electron distributions in the diffusion region are resolved and investigated in detail. Heating of magnetosheath electrons parallel to the magnetic field is observed. This heating is shown to be consistent with trapping of magnetosheath electrons by parallel electric fields.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik -- Fusion, plasma och rymdfysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences -- Fusion, Plasma and Space Physics (hsv//eng)

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences (hsv//eng)

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

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