Detailed Observations of a Burst of Energetic Particles in the Deep Magnetotail by Geotail

Abstract

Using data from the energetic particle detector on board the GEOTAIL satellite we report on a case study of electron and ion bursts observed at X_GSM =-128R_E. Based on the arrival times of energetic electrons, protons, Helium and Oxygen, as well as the time of flight channels designed specifically for remote sensing purposes, we estimate that the particle acceleration took place at X_GSM =≅ -103R_E. The ensuing tailward particle anisotropy gives a bulk flow estimate that is consistent with the arrival time of the plasma from the expected location of the acceleration region.