Suprathermal Electron Isotropy in High-Beta Solar Wind and Its Role in Heat Flux Dropouts
Abstract
Time variations in plasma beta and a parameter which measures isotropy in suprathermal electron pitch angle distributions show a remarkably close correspondence throughout the solar wind. The finding implies that high-beta plasma, with its multiple magnetic holes and sharp field and plasma gradients, is conducive to electron pitch-angle scattering, which reduces heat flux from the Sun without field-line disconnection. Thus the finding impacts our understanding of signatures we use to determine magnetic topology in the heliosphere.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 20, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA423089
Entities
People
- D. E. Larson
- Harlan Spence
- N. U. Crooker
- S. M. Lamassa
- S. W. Kahler
Organizations
- Boston University