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Relativistic and Ultra‐Relativistic Electron Bursts in Earth's Magnetotail Observed by Low‐Altitude Satellites
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Relativistic and Ultra‐Relativistic Electron Bursts in Earth's Magnetotail Observed by Low‐Altitude Satellites
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Journal Article
Relativistic and Ultra‐Relativistic Electron Bursts in Earth's Magnetotail Observed by Low‐Altitude Satellites
2025
Overview
Earth's magnetotail, a night‐side region characterized by stretched magnetic field lines and strong plasma currents, is the primary site for the release of magnetic field energy and its transformation into plasma heating and kinetic energy plus charged particle acceleration during magnetic reconnection. In this study, we demonstrate that the efficiency of this acceleration can be sufficiently high to produce populations of relativistic and ultra‐relativistic electrons, with energies up to several MeV, which exceeds all previous theoretical and simulation estimates. Using data from the low‐altitude ELFIN and CIRBE CubeSats, we show multiple events of relativistic electron bursts within the magnetotail, far poleward of the outer radiation belt. These bursts are characterized by power‐law energy spectra and can be detected during even moderate substorms. Plain Language Summary Charged particle acceleration during magnetic reconnection is a universal process occurring in various space plasma environments. Traditionally, theoretical and simulation models of this acceleration are verified using data from the reconnection region in the near‐Earth magnetosphere, where in situ spacecraft measurements are most accessible. In this study, we demonstrate that the efficiency of this acceleration can significantly exceed previous estimates, leading to the formation of electron populations with energies up to several MeV, even in regions where thermal electron energies are below 1 keV. These observations of highly energetic electron bursts are made available by new low‐altitude CubeSat missions monitoring magnetotail electron fluxes. Key Points We report observations of relativistic and ultra‐relativistic electrons in near‐Earth magnetotail We show energy spectra of relativistic electron bursts in the magnetotail We discuss potential mechanisms responsible for the formation of relativistic and ultra‐relativistic electrons
Publisher
John Wiley & Sons, Inc,Wiley
Subject
