Acceleration of Energetic Electrons in Jovian Middle Magnetosphere by Whistler‐Mode Waves

Abstract

An abundant multi‐MeV electron population beyond the orbit of Io is required to explain the intense inner radiation belt (electrons MeV) at Jupiter and its synchrotron radiation. In order to better understand the synergistic effect of radial transport and local wave‐particle interactions driven by whistler‐mode waves on the formation of Jupiter's radiation belt, we perform 3‐D Fokker‐Planck simulations for Jovian energetic electrons with the Versatile Electron Radiation Belt code. An empirical model of Jovian whistler‐mode waves updated with measurements from the Juno extended mission is used to quantify the local acceleration and pitch angle scattering. Resonant cyclotron acceleration by whistler‐mode waves leads to significant enhancement in the intensity of electrons above 1 MeV in the middle magnetosphere. Radial diffusion is capable of transporting MeV electrons accelerated by outer‐belt whistler‐mode waves into the region, where they are further accelerated adiabatically to energies of about 10 MeV.