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Identifying the Variety of Jovian X-Ray Auroral Structures: Tying the Morphology of X-Ray Emissions to Associated Magnetospheric Dynamics

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Published
  • Dale M. Weigt
  • C. M. Jackman
  • D. Moral Pombo
  • S. V. Badman
  • C. K. Louis
  • W. R. Dunn
  • S. C. McEntee
  • G. Branduardi-Raymont
  • D. Grodent
  • M. F. Vogt
  • C. Tao
  • G. R. Gladstone
  • R. P. Kraft
  • W. S. Kurth
  • J. E. P. Connerney
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Article numbere2023JA031656
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>2/11/2023
<mark>Journal</mark>Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Issue number11
Volume128
Publication StatusPublished
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

Abstract We define the spatial clustering of X-rays within Jupiter's northern auroral regions by classifying their distributions into ?X-ray auroral structures.? Using data from Chandra during Juno's main mission observations (24 May 2016 to 8 September 2019), we define five X-ray structures based on their ionospheric location and calculate the distribution of auroral photons. The morphology and ionospheric location of these structures allow us to explore the possibility of numerous X-ray auroral magnetospheric drivers. We compare these distributions to Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and Juno (Waves and MAG) data, and a 1D solar wind propagation model to infer the state of Jupiter's magnetosphere. Our results suggest that the five sub-classes of ?X-ray structures? fall under two broad morphologies: fully polar and low latitude emissions. Visibility modeling of each structure suggests the non-uniformity of the photon distributions across the Chandra intervals are likely associated with the switching on/off of magnetospheric drivers as opposed to geometrical effects. The combination of ultraviolet (UV) and X-ray morphological structures is a powerful tool to elucidate the behavior of both electrons and ions and their link to solar wind/magnetospheric conditions in the absence of an upstream solar monitor. Although much work is still needed to progress the use of X-ray morphology as a diagnostic tool, we set the foundations for future studies to continue this vital research.