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Observations of Particle Acceleration in Magnetic Reconnection-driven Turbulence

Journal
Date Issued
2020
Author(s)
Ergun, R. E.
•
Ahmadi, N.
•
Kromyda, L.
•
Schwartz, S. J.
•
Chasapis, A.
•
Hoilijoki, S.
•
Wilder, F. D.
•
Stawarz, J. E.
•
Goodrich, K. A.
•
Turner, D. L.
•
Cohen, I. J.
•
Bingham, S. T.
•
Holmes, J. C.
•
Nakamura, R.
•
Pucci, F.
•
Torbert, R. B.
•
Burch, J. L.
•
Lindqvist, P. A.
•
Strangeway, R. J.
•
Le Contel, O.
•
Giles, B. L.
•
DOI
Abstract
The Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission observes, in detail, charged particle heating and substantial nonthermal acceleration in a region of strong turbulence (δdBδ δBδ ~ 1, where B is the magnetic field) that surrounds a magnetic reconnection X-line. Magnetic reconnection enables magnetic field annihilation in a volume that far exceeds that of the diffusion region. The formidable magnetic field annihilation breaks into strong, intermittent turbulence with magnetic field energy as the driver. The strong, intermittent turbulence appears to generate the necessary conditions for nonthermal acceleration. It creates intense, localized currents (J) and unusually largeamplitude electric fields (E). The combination of turbulence-generated E and J results in a significant net positive mean of J E, which signifies particle energization. Ion and electron heating rates are such that they experience a fourfold increase from their initial temperature. Importantly, the strong turbulence also generates magnetic holes or depletions in δBδ that can trap particles. Trapping considerably increases the dwell time of a subset of particles in the turbulent region, which results in significant nonthermal particle acceleration. The direct observation of strong turbulence that is enabled by magnetic reconnection with nonthermal particle acceleration has far-reaching implications, since turbulence in plasmas is pervasive and may occupy significant volumes of the interstellar medium and intergalactic space. For example, strong turbulence from magnetic field annihilation in the supernova nebulae may dominate large volumes. As such, this observed energization process could plausibly contribute to the supply and development of the cosmic-ray spectrum.
Volume
898
Issue
2
Start page
154
Uri
Url
Issn Identifier
0004-637X
Rights
open.access
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