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Emission of Energetic Neutral Atoms From the Magnetosphere‐Atmosphere Interactions at Callisto and Europa.

Authors :
Haynes, C. Michael
Tippens, Tyler
Addison, Peter
Liuzzo, Lucas
Poppe, Andrew R.
Simon, Sven
Source :
Journal of Geophysical Research. Space Physics; Oct2023, Vol. 128 Issue 10, p1-45, 45p
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

We analyze the emission of energetic neutral atom (ENA) flux from charge exchange between Jovian magnetospheric ions and the atmospheres of Callisto and Europa. For this purpose, we combine the draped electromagnetic fields from a hybrid plasma model with a particle tracing tool for the energetic ions. We determine the ENA flux through a concentric sphere located just outside of each moon's atmosphere, thereby capturing the complete physics imprinted in these emission patterns. In order to constrain the modifications to the ENA emissions that arise from the periodic change of the ambient plasma conditions, we calculate the emission morphology at multiple positions during a Jovian synodic rotation. To isolate the influence of field line draping, we compare to the emission patterns in uniform fields. Our major results are: (a) At Europa and Callisto, the majority of detectable ENA emissions are concentrated into a band normal to the Jovian magnetospheric field. (b) The fraction of observable ENA flux that contributes to this band depends on the number of complete gyrations that the parent ions can complete within the moon's atmosphere. (c) Field line draping partially deflects impinging parent ions around both moons, thereby attenuating the ENA flux and driving significant morphological changes to the emission patterns. (d) The band of elevated ENA flux is locally maximized on the opposite (antipodal) side of the moon where the flux is locally minimized. At Europa, detectable ENA emissions are maximized slightly west of the ramside apex. At Callisto, they maximize near the Jupiter‐facing apex. Key Points: We model the energetic neutral atom (ENA) flux generated by charge exchange of magnetospheric ions with Callisto's and Europa's atmospheresThe bulk of the ENA flux is detectable in a band normal to the magnetospheric field and created by ions with pitch angles near 90°Magnetic field line draping attenuates the intensity of observable ENA flux and qualitatively alters the emission morphology at both moons [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
21699380
Volume :
128
Issue :
10
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Journal of Geophysical Research. Space Physics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
173282003
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1029/2023JA031931