Characteristics of monoenergetic and broadband auroral electron precipitation as observed by the Science and Technology Satellite-I

Abstract

Previously, the pitch angle distribution of monoenergetic and broadband electron precipitation has been investigated mainly by case studies. The main focus of this study is quantitative comparison of pitch angle distributions between monoenergetic and broadband electron precipitations using long-term observations on board one platform. From December 2003 to October 2004, Science and Technology Satellite-I (altitude similar to 680 km) regularly observed auroral electron flux and cold ambient plasma parameters during quiet and moderately disturbed conditions. Monoenergetic electron precipitation has notable perpendicular anisotropy, while broadband electron precipitation is much more field aligned. As for other features of monoenergetic and broadband electron precipitation, the characteristic energy of precipitating electrons is slightly higher for monoenergetic (around 1 keV) than for broadband electron precipitation (from several hundred eV to 1 keV). For both monoenergetic and broadband types, the characteristic energy and energy flux do not show clear correlation with cold ambient plasma density/temperature.