Whistler‐Mode Waves and Associated Electron Distributions in Jupiter's Middle and Outer Magnetosphere
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Whistler‐mode waves play a crucial role in shaping magnetospheric electron dynamics. Using Juno's observations, we investigate these waves in Jupiter's post‐midnight‐to‐dawn magnetosphere, spanning 20–80 Jupiter radii. Our survey reveals that whistler‐mode waves predominantly occur in the lobes, while the magnetodisk remains largely devoid of such waves. Simultaneous electron measurements from JADE‐E, combined with dispersion relation analysis, indicate that these waves are likely driven by a mono‐directional electron population between 0.1 and 10 keV propagating anti‐Jupiter‐ward. Further controlled studies show that a local flux minimum at 0.3 keV in the electron energy spectrum, which is commonly detected during whistler‐mode waves, is critical for wave growth. Based on their direction of motion, we suggest that these mono‐directional electrons and the whistler‐mode waves they generate are related to magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling. Our findings offer new insights into the interplay between whistler‐mode waves and electrons in Jupiter's magnetosphere.
Source: Geophysical Research Letters
DOI: 10.1029/2025gl116543
Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, Institut de Recherche en Astrophysique et Planétologie, Institut Supérieur de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace (ISAE-SUPAERO), Université de Toulouse, Aix-Marseille Université, Laboratoire d’Astrophysique de Marseille, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Southwest Research Institute, The University of Texas at San Antonio, University of Iowa, Goddard Space Flight Center
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
Awards: G2769533818, G3004847436
OpenAlex ID: W4414326693