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 ElectroMagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) waves which are excited by ions traveling through the magnetosphere. Right now, I’m working with data from JAXA’s Arase satellite to try to uncover the types and ratios of ions present in the magnetosphere.

This research is expected to be applied to 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 particles and plasma environments surrounding planets. Written by KIKUCHI Riku.

This post is also available in: Japanese