Global Zones of Particle Precipitation as Observed by EXOS-C
Abstract
A study of the temporal variation of quasi-trapped proton population near the geomagnetic equator reveals that the peak value of the equatorially mirroring component may increase by a factor of 50 or more between a solar maximum and a minimum conditions. During a solar maximum condition more hydrogen escape to outer space than during a minimum condition. The escaping light gas may cause more neutral generation by charge exchange interaction with the radiation belt/ring current protons, thereby enhancing the quasitrapped proton population at equatorial thermospheric altitude. This reported result is based on the observation of quasitrapped proton population in 1969-70, 1982, and 1984- 86 by AZUR, S81-1, and EXOS-C missions. Also, a study based on EXOS-C mission alone shows that the peak flux profile of protons precipitate in the equatorial, and low-latitude, midlatitude, and auroral zones lying to the north of the equator, exist in parallel with the minimum magnetic field equator. Further, proton (0.64-35 MeV) and electron (0.19 - 3.2 MeV) population in the said midlatitude zone show longitude and altitude dependences. Contrary to previous observations, the locations of the peak flux profiles in all the three zones in L space depend upon the pitch of the particles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 27, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA256397
Entities
People
- M. A. Miah
Organizations
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff