The Plasma Observatory: exploring particle energization in space plasmas through multi-point, multi-scale in situ measurements
Abstract
Understanding particle energization in plasmas is a compelling science problem of major importance for the worldwide magnetospheric, solar, and astrophysical plasma communities. In situ measurements are required to study and understand how particles are energized in space plasmas. In the solar system, the near-Earth space is an unique laboratory for studying particle energization since very high resolution in situ measurements can be performed and all data can be transmitted to ground with high cadence. Furthermore, the near-Earth space provides a wide range of different plasma conditions, which can be used as a proxy for solar and astrophysical plasma regimes. This presentation outlines the importance of studying particle energization through future multi-point, multi-scale in situ measurements. Five compelling science questions related to particle energization by shocks, reconnection, waves and turbulence, jets and their combinations, are identified. Answering these questions requires resolving scale coupling, nonlinearity and non-stationarity, which cannot be done with existing 4-point observations. In situ measurements from a multi-point, multi-scale Plasma Observatory consisting of at least 7 spacecraft are needed, covering fluid, ion and electron scales. Such a novel Plasma Observatory will enable a paradigm shift in our comprehension of particle energization processes with very important impact on solar and astrophysical plasmas. The ideas discussed in this presentation are included in the White Paper « Particle Energization in Space Plasmas: Towards a Multi-Point, Multi-Scale Plasma Observatory » which has been submitted for the future ESA Voyage 2035-2050 science program.
- Publication:
-
43rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Held 28 January - 4 February
- Pub Date:
- January 2021
- Bibcode:
- 2021cosp...43E1091R