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Study of parallel diffusion of energetic particles in the interplanetary medium using spacecraft data at 1 and 5 AU

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Abstract

Energetic particle (1–100 MeV) pitch angle scattering in the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) is studied using spacecraft magnetometer data at 1 AU (IMP 7 and HEOS 2) and at 5 AU (Pioneer 10). Particle trajectories are followed by a computer simulation of their movement in a realistic model of the IMF. Determination of the pitch angle diffusion coefficient at 1 AU (D μμ) leads to a parallel mean free path which is roughly independent of particle energy, λ∥≃0.03 AU. At the lowest energy our result is at least a factor of 3 larger than the predictions of quasi linear theory. Results at 5 AU lead to a radial mean free path which is between 2 to 6 times smaller than at 1 AU, probably indicating a greater importance for perpendicular diffusion at large heliodistances. In fact a roughly constant radial mean free path (λ r ≃0.01 AU) is obtained when the contribution of perpendicular diffusion at 5 AU is taken into account (Moussaset al., 1981).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National University of Athens, Greece

    X. Moussas

  2. The Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College, London, England

    J. J. Quenby & J. F. Valdes Galicia

Authors
  1. X. Moussas
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  2. J. J. Quenby
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  3. J. F. Valdes Galicia
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Moussas, X., Quenby, J.J. & Valdes Galicia, J.F. Study of parallel diffusion of energetic particles in the interplanetary medium using spacecraft data at 1 and 5 AU. Astrophys Space Sci 86, 185–195 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00651841

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00651841

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