Data analysis in combination with numerical simulations of the acceleration and propagation of energetic particles in the vicinity of planetary magnetospheres

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Bernd Heber
• Subject Area: Astrophysics and Astronomy
• Term: from 2009 to 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 137502432

Energetic charged particles accelerated into jets or upstream events at the magnetospheres of the Earth and Jupiter will be systematically studied through an interplay of observational and modelling points of view in order to arrive at conclusions that allow new and deeper insights into their generation and propagation. The first part will consist of a compilation and comparison of a larger selection of spacecraft data, the second one of self-consistent numerical simulations of the propagation process along a magnetic flux tube. The idea behind the combined investigations of energetic particle events at the Earth and Jupiter is to take advantage of the comprehensive data coverage around the Earth as well as of the unique features of the Jovian magnetosphere that allow to draw conclusions about the origin and the acceleration of the particles. At Jupiter, where particle events are of magnetospheric origin, the escape of the particles will be studied in detail by comparing data obtained within the magnetosphere with those measured close beyond the magnetopause, in particular in order to study the possible influence of the solar wind. Our results will provide the diffusion coefficients at two positions in the heliosphere and contribute to a better understanding of Jupiter as a source of energetic particles and their propagation.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Dr. Andreas Kopp