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Abstract The present study compares a single‐band chorus wave against a banded chorus wave observed by Van Allen Probes at adjacent times, and demonstrates that the single‐band chorus wave is associated with an anisotropic electron population over a broad energy range, while the banded chorus wave is accompanied by an electron phase space density plateau and an electron anisotropy reduction around Landau resonant energies. We further compare banded chorus waves with different spectral gap widths, and show that a wider spectral gap is associated with electron isotropization extending to higher energies with respect to the equatorial Landau resonant energy. We suggest that early generated chorus waves isotropize electrons via Landau resonant acceleration, and the waves that propagate to higher latitudes isotropize electrons at higher energies. The isotropization extending to higher energies leads to a larger spectral gap of new chorus waves after electrons bounce back to the equator. 

Abstract The present study uncovers the fine structures of magnetosonic waves by investigating the EFW waveforms measured by Van Allen Probes. We show that each harmonic of the magnetosonic wave may consist of a series of elementary rising‐tone emissions, implying a nonlinear mechanism for the wave generation. By investigating an elementary rising‐tone magnetosonic wave that spans a wide frequency range, we show that the frequency sweep rate is likely proportional to the wave frequency. We studied compound rising‐tone magnetosonic waves, and found that they typically consist of multiple harmonics in the source region, and may gradually become continuous in frequency as they propagate away from source. Both elementary and compound rising‐tone magnetosonic waves last for ∼1 min which is close to the bounce period of the ring proton distribution, but their relation is not fully understood. 

Abstract The present study addresses two basic questions related to banded chorus waves in the Earth’s magnetosphere: 1) are chorus spectral gaps formed near the equatorial source region or during propagation away from the equator? and 2) why are chorus spectral gaps usually located below 0.5f_ce(f_ce: electron gyro‐frequency)? By analyzing Van Allen Probes data, we demonstrate that chorus spectral gaps are observed in the source region where chorus waves propagate both in the parallel and anti‐parallel directions to the magnetic field. Chorus spectral gaps below 0.5f_ceare associated with electron parallel acceleration at energies above the equatorial Landau resonant energies. We explain that initially generated chorus waves quickly isotropize the electron distribution through Landau resonant acceleration, and the isotropization occurs for higher energies at higher latitudes. The isotropized population, after returning to the magnetic equator, leads to a chorus gap typically below 0.5f_ceby suppressing wave excitation. 

Abstract The Neptune Odyssey mission concept is a Flagship-class orbiter and atmospheric probe to the Neptune–Triton system. This bold mission of exploration would orbit an ice-giant planet to study the planet, its rings, small satellites, space environment, and the planet-sized moon Triton. Triton is a captured dwarf planet from the Kuiper Belt, twin of Pluto, and likely ocean world. Odyssey addresses Neptune system-level science, with equal priorities placed on Neptune, its rings, moons, space environment, and Triton. Between Uranus and Neptune, the latter is unique in providing simultaneous access to both an ice giant and a Kuiper Belt dwarf planet. The spacecraft—in a class equivalent to the NASA/ESA/ASI Cassini spacecraft—would launch by 2031 on a Space Launch System or equivalent launch vehicle and utilize a Jupiter gravity assist for a 12 yr cruise to Neptune and a 4 yr prime orbital mission; alternatively a launch after 2031 would have a 16 yr direct-to-Neptune cruise phase. Our solution provides annual launch opportunities and allows for an easy upgrade to the shorter (12 yr) cruise. Odyssey would orbit Neptune retrograde (prograde with respect to Triton), using the moon's gravity to shape the orbital tour and allow coverage of Triton, Neptune, and the space environment. The atmospheric entry probe would descend in ∼37 minutes to the 10 bar pressure level in Neptune's atmosphere just before Odyssey's orbit-insertion engine burn. Odyssey's mission would end by conducting a Cassini-like “Grand Finale,” passing inside the rings and ultimately taking a final great plunge into Neptune's atmosphere. 

Abstract Suprathermal electrons (~0.1–10 keV) in the inner magnetosphere are usually observed in a 90°‐peaked pitch angle distribution, formed due to the conservation of the first and second adiabatic invariants as they are transported from the plasma sheet. We report a peculiar field‐aligned suprathermal electron (FASE) distribution measured by Van Allen Probes, where parallel fluxes are 1 order of magnitude higher than perpendicular fluxes. Those FASEs are found to be closely correlated with large‐amplitude hiss waves and are observed around the Landau resonant energies. We demonstrate, using quasilinear diffusion simulations, that hiss waves can rapidly accelerate suprathermal electrons through Landau resonance and create the observed FASE population. The proposed mechanism potentially has broad implications for suprathermal electron dynamics as well as whistler mode waves in the Earth's magnetosphere and has been demonstrated in the Jovian magnetosphere. 

Abstract The two Van Allen Probes simultaneously recorded a coherently modulated quasiperiodic (QP) emission that persisted for 3 h. The magnetic field pulsation at the locations of the two satellites showed a substantial difference, and their frequencies were close to but did not exactly match the repetition frequency of QP emissions for most of the time, suggesting that those coherent QP emissions probably originated from a common source, which then propagated over a broad area in the magnetosphere. The QP emissions were amplified by local anisotropic electron distributions, and their large‐scale amplitudes were modulated by the plasma density. A novel observation of this event is that chorus waves at frequencies above QP emissions exhibit a strong correlation with QP emissions. Those chorus waves intensified when the QP emissions reach their peak frequency. This indicates that embryonic QP emissions may be critical for its own intensification as well as chorus waves under certain circumstances. A Low‐Earth‐Orbit POES satellite observed enhanced energetic electron precipitation in conjunction with the Van Allen Probes, providing direct evidence that QP emissions precipitate energetic electrons into the atmosphere. This scenario is quantitatively confirmed by our quasilinear diffusion simulation results.