Electron Beams at Europa

Electron Beams at Europa

Abstract Jupiter's moon Europa contains a subsurface ocean whose presence is inferred from magnetic field measurements, the interpretation of which depends on knowledge of Europa's local plasma environment. A recent Juno spacecraft flyby returned new observations of plasma electrons with u...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: F. Allegrini, J. Saur, J. R. Szalay, R. W. Ebert, W. S. Kurth, S. Cervantes, H. T. Smith, F. Bagenal, S. J. Bolton, G. Clark, J. E. P. Connerney, P. Louarn, B. Mauk, D. J. McComas, A. Pontoni, Y. Sarkango, P. Valek, R. J. Wilson
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2024-07-01
Series:Geophysical Research Letters
Subjects:
Europa
Jupiter's magnetosphere
electron
plasma
Juno
flyby
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1029/2024GL108422
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Summary:Abstract Jupiter's moon Europa contains a subsurface ocean whose presence is inferred from magnetic field measurements, the interpretation of which depends on knowledge of Europa's local plasma environment. A recent Juno spacecraft flyby returned new observations of plasma electrons with unprecedented resolution. Specifically, powerful magnetic field‐aligned electron beams were discovered near Europa. These beams, with energies from ∼30 to ∼300 eV, locally enhance electron‐impact‐excited emissions and ionization in Europa's atmosphere by more than a factor three over the local space environment, and are associated with large jumps of the magnetic fields. The beams therefore play an essential role in shaping Europa's plasma and magnetic field environment and thus need to be accounted for electromagnetic sounding of Europa's ocean and plume detection by future missions such as JUICE and Europa Clipper.
ISSN:0094-8276
1944-8007

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