Event Details

Space and Planetary Physics webinar

Abstract:

The radiation belts are highly dynamic regions of relativistic particles trapped in Earth’s magnetic field. The variability of particle flux in this region is crucial for satellite operators who must mitigate space weather effects on spacecraft orbiting within this high radiation environment. The overall aim of studying the radiation belts is to understand all acceleration and loss mechanisms contributing to the system in order to predict net radiation flux. In this seminar we shall discuss a loss mechanism called magnetopause shadowing. This is where electrons are lost through the outer boundary of Earth’s magnetosphere, the magnetopause. We will discuss the importance of correctly parameterising the magnetopause location when analysing magnetopause shadowing events. Furthermore, using new multi-spacecraft measurements of electron phase space density, we will show how magnetopause shadowing can produce dropouts in radiation belt flux, and limit the overall flux increase during a geomagnetic storm. Finally, we outline the implications of the magnetopause’s role in shaping the radiation belts during geomagnetic storms when modelling the Earth's radiation belts in future.

If someone from outside of the SPP group would like to join the webinar, please send a request to w.gould@lancaster.ac.uk