EMIC Waves in the Magnetosphere: Attempts to Derive Ion Composition Using Polarization Analysis by the Arase Satellite

This post is also available in: Japanese

“Have you heard that “Earth is like a giant magnet”? This magnet creates a vast region called the magnetosphere, which acts like a protective shield from the stream of charged particles known as the solar wind.

I study what’s going on inside this magnetosphere—especially what kinds of ions (electrically charged particles) are there, where they are, and how many of them exist by analyzing lectromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves. Right now, I’m working with data from the Arase satellite to try to uncover the types and ratios of ions present in the magnetosphere.

This could also help us study other planets. For example, BepiColombo is scheduled to arrive at Mercury in 2026, and JUICE will begin orbiting Jupiter in 2031. By applying this method, we hope to open new ways to explore planetary magnetic fields and plasma environments across the solar system.”

This post is also available in: Japanese