Electron Acceleration via Secondary Reconnection in the Separatrix Region of Magnetopause Reconnection
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Magnetic reconnection is a fundamental process known to play a crucial role in electron acceleration and heating, however, the mechanism of electron energization during reconnection is still not fully understood. This study introduces a novel electron acceleration mechanism in which electrons can be accelerated by secondary reconnection in the separatrix region. The secondary reconnection occurs in a thin current sheet resulted from the shear of the out‐of‐plane Hall magnetic fields of the primary magnetopause reconnection. It results in the intense electron energy fluxes toward the primary X ‐line. This mechanism will likely be an important piece in the puzzle of particle acceleration by reconnection.
Source: Geophysical Research Letters
DOI: 10.1029/2024gl110152
Authors: X. S. Fu, Z. H. Zhong, M. Zhou, W. Q. Ma, Y. Pang, L. J. Song, X. J. Ou, R. Q. Jin, X. H. Deng
Institutions: Nanchang University, Shandong University
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,900
OpenAlex ID: W4402131325