Charge states of energetic (≈0.5 MeV/n) ions in corotating interaction regions at 1 AU and implications on source populations
Year: 2002
Type: article
Abstract: The ionic charge states of He, C, O, Ne, Mg and Fe at ≈0.5 MeV/n have been obtained in several corotating interaction regions (CIRs) in 1999 and 2000 with the Solar Energetic Particle Ionic Charge Analyzer (SEPICA) on the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE). A large fraction (on average 25%) of He+ is found relative to He2+, indicating a substantial contribution of interstellar pickup ions. The mean charge states of the heavy ions are consistent with those in CME related energetic particle events and in solar wind. A rather low upper limit of <1% is found for singly charged ions for C, O and Mg, while Ne shows a small, but noticeable, fraction (4.7%) of Ne+. These observations are consistent with a contribution from interstellar pickup ions, but seem to eliminate inner source pickup ions as a substantial source for CIRs at and near 1 AU.
Source: Geophysical Research Letters
DOI: 10.1029/2001gl013410
Authors: E. Möbius, D. Morris, M. A. Popecki, B. Klecker, L. M. Kistler, A. B. Galvin
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W1982373731