Work

Global Three‐Dimensional Structure of Flux Transfer Events: THEMIS‐MMS‐Cluster Coordinated Observation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We present consecutive observations of Flux Transfer Events (FTEs) on 10 November 2020, using MMS, THEMIS and Cluster spacecraft located at different magnetopause locations. Two typical scale FTE signatures are successively observed by low‐latitude THEMIS, mid‐latitude MMS and high latitude Cluster, reflecting their global spatial scale characteristics. Multi‐spacecraft observation also revealed the complete 3‐D structure of the FTEs, with azimuthal extended section, magnetosheath and magnetospheric arm. The simultaneous existence of different magnetic field line topologies during the FTEs indicates the generation mechanism of multiple X‐line reconnection. Successive observations with intervals of several minutes revealed some evolutionary features of FTEs, including an increase in size and flux, and disappearance of the magnetic dip region on both sides. Our observations give a complete 3‐D picture of FTEs on a global scale, which can improve our understanding of the transient magnetic reconnection and solar wind‐magnetosphere interaction at the magnetopause.

Source: Geophysical Research Letters

DOI: 10.1029/2024gl113000