We propose to use MMS observations in earth s magnetosheath, in CO-linear configuration to carry out a study of the strong turbulence observed in this region. We aim to focus on kinetic scale…

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) awarded a $109,650.59 grant for research to the University of Colorado, Office of Contracts and Grants Division. This grant supports a study of strong turbulence in the Earth's magnetosheath using data from NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission. The research aims to analyze kinetic-scale turbulence, dissipative processes, and resulting particle heating and acceleration. The University will use MMS magnetometer and plasma instrument data to characterize the statistical properties of the turbulent fluctuations and the evolution of intermittent structures like current sheets. This analysis is expected to further the understanding of plasma turbulence at kinetic scales. The grant does not have a set-aside designation and is focused on fundamental space physics research with potential applications in areas like space weather modeling and plasma-based technologies.

We propose to use MMS observations in earth s magnetosheath, in CO-linear configuration to carry out a study of the strong turbulence observed in this region. We aim to focus on kinetic scale turbulence and the dissipative processes occurring at those scales, as well as the resulting particle heating and acceleration. These multi-point observations, performed simultaneously across multiple scales and along the same baseline, permit US to study the multi-scale statistical properties of the observed turbulence. Previous studies were limited to either single-spacecraft techniques, or a single scale, defined by the size of the tetrahedron of the MMS spacecraft formation. Additionally, the spacecraft being approximately aligned with the orbital path and the mean plasma flow, means the spacecraft cross the same structures consecutively in close succession, separated by a few proton gyration times. This affords US a unique opportunity to examine the temporal evolution of such kinetic-scale structures. The data that will be analyzed for this project consists of burst-resolution multipoint measurements, obtained by the four MMS spacecraft in the magnetosheath. Specifically, we will use data from the flux-gate and search-coil magnetometers of the fields instrument suite to identify magnetic field structures such as current sheets, and to characterize the statistical properties of the turbulent fluctuations. Additionally, we will use electron and ION velocity distributions from the FPI instrument to study the thermal and suprathermal populations observed in the turbulence. The high time resolution at which 3-dimensional distribution functions are measured allows US to examine the evolution of the plasma between the four spacecraft and thus enables an investigation into the link between the fast-evolving intermittent structures formed in turbulence, the dissipative processes occurring within them, and the resulting particle energization. This analysis will further our understanding of plasma turbulence at kinetic scales. We will directly evaluate the multi-scale properties of turbulence, beyond single spacecraft techniques and their limitations. We will also directly examine the formation and evolution of intermittent structures such as current sheets, where previous studies have demonstrated significant dissipation occurs. These results will lead to a deeper insight into the physics of turbulent dissipation and the associated heating and particle acceleration.