Modulation of Electron Rolling‐Pin Distribution Behind Anti‐Dipolarization Front

Abstract The electron rolling pin distribution, showing electron pitch angles primarily at 0°, 90°, and 180°, has been recently observed behind dipolarization fronts (DFs) in the magnetosphere of Earth. However, the relation between such distribution and the leading edge of tailward magnetic reconnection jets, also known as anti‐dipolarization fronts (ADFs), is still unclear. Here, by utilizing high‐resolution data of the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission, we provide the first observation of electron rolling pin distribution behind ADF. Such distribution of Maxwellian electrons appears in 1.3–5 keV and is modulated by firehose fluctuations: electron fluxes are high at wave troughs (|B|‐minima) and are low at wave crests. The results of Liouville mapping and the electron loss cone angles are consistent with the spacecraft observations respectively, indicating such distribution is formed by the combination of global‐scale Fermi acceleration and local‐scale electron trapping. These findings highlight the importance of ADFs in magnetospheric convection.

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Publication Details

Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
Published
2025-12-17
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1029/2025gl117757
Primary Topic
Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Modulation of Electron Rolling‐Pin Distribution Behind Anti‐Dipolarization Front

Z. Wang, W. Z. Zhang, H. S. Fu, W. D. Fu et al.
Geophysical Research Letters
Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics
article

Modulation of Electron Rolling‐Pin Distribution Behind Anti‐Dipolarization Front

Z. Wang, W. Z. Zhang, H. S. Fu, W. D. Fu, Zuyan Xu
article en

Abstract

Abstract The electron rolling pin distribution, showing electron pitch angles primarily at 0°, 90°, and 180°, has been recently observed behind dipolarization fronts (DFs) in the magnetosphere of Earth. However, the relation between such distribution and the leading edge of tailward magnetic reconnection jets, also known as anti‐dipolarization fronts (ADFs), is still unclear. Here, by utilizing high‐resolution data of the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission, we provide the first observation of electron rolling pin distribution behind ADF. Such distribution of Maxwellian electrons appears in 1.3–5 keV and is modulated by firehose fluctuations: electron fluxes are high at wave troughs (|B|‐minima) and are low at wave crests. The results of Liouville mapping and the electron loss cone angles are consistent with the spacecraft observations respectively, indicating such distribution is formed by the combination of global‐scale Fermi acceleration and local‐scale electron trapping. These findings highlight the importance of ADFs in magnetospheric convection.

Geophysical Research LettersVol. 52(24)
Beihang University (CN), Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
Openalex Percentile: Top 72%
Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics
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