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The Effect of Large-scale Magnetic Fluctuations on Energetic Particle Profiles across Interplanetary Shocks

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In situ observations of energetic particles associated with interplanetary (IP) shocks, known as energetic storm particle (ESP) events, often show time-intensity profiles quite different from predictions of classical diffusive shock acceleration theory. We use numerical simulations, including test-particle simulations and hybrid simulations (with fluid electrons and kinetic protons) for shocks propagating into a turbulent magnetic field to study the ESP intensity-time profiles across a strong IP shock. We find that several types of energetic particle intensity profiles similar to in situ observations can be produced in our simulations. The peak of energetic particle count is often near, but can be shifted from, the locations of the shock front, with the peak usually being observed downstream of the shock. These findings may help understand particle acceleration at both traveling IP shocks and shocks in other heliospheric and astrophysical environments.
DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ae5523
Authors: Ming-Yuan Lo, Fan Guo, Joe Giacalone, Lulu Zhao, David Lario, Gergely Koban, George C. Ho, Christina M. S. Cohen
Institutions: University of California, Los Angeles, New Mexico Consortium, Los Alamos National Laboratory, University of Arizona, University of Michigan, Goddard Space Flight Center, Heliophysics Science Division, Southwest Research Institute, California Institute of Technology
Language: English
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,499
OpenAlex ID: W7155060882
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Cites: 66
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