Energetic Electrons Associated with Magnetic Reconnection in the Magnetic Cloud Boundary Layer

Abstract

Here is reported in situ observation of energetic electrons (~100-500 keV) associated with magnetic reconnection in the solar wind by the ACE and Wind spacecraft. The properties of this magnetic cloud driving reconnection and the associated energetic electron acceleration problem are discussed. Further analyses indicate that the electric field acceleration and Fermi type mechanism are two fundamental elements in the electron acceleration processes and the trapping effect of the specific magnetic field configuration maintains the acceleration status that increases the totally gained energy.

First observational evidence of energetic electrons associated with magnetic reconnection in the solar wind; Physical Review Letters(2010)