The First Terrestrial Electron Beam Observed by The Atmosphere-Space
Interactions Monitor
Abstract
We report the first Terrestrial Electron Beam detected by the
Atmosphere‐Space Interactions Monitor. It happened on 16 September 2018.
The Atmosphere‐Space Interactions Monitor Modular X and Gamma ray Sensor
recorded a 2 ms long event, with a softer spectrum than typically
recorded for Terrestrial Gamma ray Flashes (TGFs). The lightning
discharge associated to this event was found in the World Wide Lightning
Location Network data, close to the northern footpoint of the magnetic
field line that intercepts the International Space Station location.
Imaging from a GOES‐R geostationary satellite shows that the source TGF
was produced close to an overshooting top of a thunderstorm. Monte‐Carlo
simulations were performed to reproduce the observed light curve and
energy spectrum. The event can be explained by the secondary electrons
and positrons produced by the TGF (i.e., the Terrestrial Electron Beam),
even if about 3.5% to 10% of the detected counts may be due to direct
TGF photons. A source TGF with a Gaussian angular distribution with
standard deviation between 20.6° and 29.8° was found to reproduce the
measurement. Assuming an isotropic angular distribution within a cone,
compatible half angles are between 30.6° and 41.9°, in agreement with
previous studies. The number of required photons for the source TGF
could be estimated for various assumption of the source (altitude of
production and angular distribution) and is estimated between 1017.2 and
1018.9 photons, that is, compatible with the current consensus.