Abstract
Previous statistical studies have described the distributions and
properties of whistler-mode waves in Jupiter’s magnetosphere, but
explaining these wave distributions requires modeling wave propagation
from their generation near the magnetic equator. In this letter, we
conduct ray tracing of whistler-mode waves based on realistic Jovian
magnetic field and density models. The ray tracing results generally
agree with the statistical wave distributions based on Juno
measurements. The modeled ray paths show that high-frequency waves
generated near the equator are confined within 20° magnetic latitude due
to Landau damping, low-frequency waves can propagate to higher latitudes
and lower M-shells, with changing wave normal angles, and a portion of
low-frequency waves could propagate to high M shells at high latitudes.
Our modelling results provide a theoretical interpretation of
whistler-mode wave distributions and properties, providing essential
insights for future radiation belt models at Jupiter.