MLT dependence of relativistic electron scattering into the drift loss
cone: Measurements from ELFIN-L on board Lomonosov spacecraft
Abstract
There have been a number of theories proposed concerning the loss of
relativistic electrons from the radiation belts. However, direct
observations of loss were not possible on a number of previous missions
due to the large field of view of the instruments and often
high-altitude orbits of satellites that did not allow researchers to
isolate the precipitating electrons from the stably trapped. We use
measurements from the ELFIN-L suit of instruments flown on Lomonosov
spacecraft at LEO orbit, which allows us to distinguish stably trapped
from the drift loss cone electrons. The sun-synchronous orbit of
Lomonosov allows us to quantify scattering that occurred into the loss
cone on the dawn-side and the dusk-side magnetosphere. The loss at MeV
energies is observed predominantly on the dawn-side, consistent with the
loss induced by the chorus waves. The companion data publication
provides processed measurements.