Direct Measurements of Synchrotron-emitting Electrons at Near-Sun Shocks
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: In this study, we present the first-ever direct measurements of synchrotron-emitting heliospheric traveling shocks, intercepted by the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) during its close encounters. Given that much of our understanding of powerful astrophysical shocks is derived from synchrotron radiation, these observations by PSP provide an unprecedented opportunity to explore how shocks accelerate relativistic electrons and the conditions under which they emit radiation. The probe’s unparalleled capabilities to measure both electromagnetic fields and energetic particles with high precision in the near-Sun environment has allowed us to directly correlate the distribution of relativistic electrons with the resulting photon emissions. Our findings reveal that strong quasi-parallel shocks emit radiation at significantly higher intensities than quasi-perpendicular shocks due to the efficient acceleration of ultrarelativistic electrons. These experimental results are consistent with theory and recent observations of supernova remnant shocks and advance our understanding of shock physics across diverse space environments.
Authors: I. C. Jebaraj, O. V. Agapitov, M. Gedalin, L. Vuorinen, M. Miceli, C. M. S. Cohen, A. Voshchepynets, A. Kouloumvakos, N. Dresing, A. Marmyleva, V. Krasnoselskikh, M. Balikhin, J. G. Mitchell, A. W. Labrador, N. Wijsen, E. Palmerio, L. Colomban, J. Pomoell, E. K. J. Kilpua, M. Pulupa, F. S. Mozer, N. E. Raouafi, D. J. McComas, S. D. Bale, R. Vainio
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,400
Awards: Solar EneRgetic ParticlE aNalysis plaTform for the INner hEliosphere, G1630861580, G190531733, G3780455704, G4044994012, G4193303991, G4249361938, Collaborative Research: Quantifying the Effects of Nonlinear Wave-particle Interaction in the Inner Magnetosphere, Energetic Solar Eruptions: Data and Analysis Tools, G4739152559, G6008641848, G8468340330
OpenAlex ID: W4404168120