This research proposal presents a comprehensive methodological framework for quantifying the impact of auroral electron beams on magnetospheric plasma heating using Juno spacecraft observations. The proposed multi-stage approach combines beam detection via pitch-angle distribution analysis using a "beamness" function, energy flux quantification through pitch-angle diffusion modeling, and plasma heating rate estimation via energy deposition calculations. The framework integrates Juno/JEDI electron measurements with magnetic field data to map energy flow from auroral acceleration regions to Jupiter's middle magnetosphere, addressing critical gaps in magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling.
Key findings
A multi-stage methodological framework combining beam detection, energy transport modeling, and heating quantification for auroral electron beams in the Jovian system
Automated beam detection algorithm utilizing pitch-angle distribution analysis and a "beamness" function to identify narrow electron beams at radial distances of 13–50 RJ
Physics-based model for tracing beam electron trajectories and estimating energy deposition rates through Coulomb collisions and wave-particle interactions
Rigorous experimental design including baseline comparisons against null-beam conditions, ablation studies for model components, and validation protocols against independent auroral observations
Limitations & open questions
Proposed methodology awaits implementation and empirical validation with the full Juno dataset
Relative importance of competing heating mechanisms (Coulomb collisions vs. wave-particle interactions) remains theoretically uncertain pending observational constraints
Quantitative relationship between beam energy flux and auroral brightness not yet established experimentally