Monday, August 31, 2026 at 3:30 pm

JILA auditorium

Lauren Blum , CU Boulder

"Energetic particle dynamics in planetary magnetospheres"

Abstract:

Planetary magnetospheres represent complex multi-component systems whose variable responses to solar driving remain challenging to predict. Energetic charged particles provide insight into the acceleration and transport mechanisms coupling various populations and regions within these systems. One primary coupling processes is particle precipitation, which acts as a loss mechanism for magnetospheric particles as well as an energy input to the atmosphere, while simultaneously producing dynamic aurora and captivating the public. Despite particle precipitation being studied for decades, through various observation platforms including satellites, rockets, balloons, and ground-based instrumentation, numerous questions remain regarding when, where, and how much can occur. Here we’ll present recent progress in understanding both the properties and drivers of energetic particle precipitation both at Earth and Jupiter. In particular, we’ll explore the spatio-temporal morphology of precipitation events and compare these to various known plasma wave drivers. We’ll also discuss recent and upcoming measurement efforts, including balloon campaigns and instrument and mission development, that will help reveal the nature of the interaction of energetic particles with Earth’s atmosphere.

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