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STEREO/ACE Observations of Suprathermal and Energetic Ion Spikes in Interplanetary Shocks
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  • Darshana Mandal,
  • Federico Fraschetti,
  • Joe Giacalone,
  • Lan Jian,
  • Zehao Dong
Darshana Mandal
Indian Institute of Science

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Federico Fraschetti
University of Arizona
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Joe Giacalone
University of Arizona
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Lan Jian
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
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Zehao Dong
University of Arizona
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Abstract

Interplanetary shocks have been long known sources of suprathermal and energetic ions, and their origin will contribute in unveiling the origin of cosmic rays. Sudden ion intensity enhancements in the form of spikes that last anywhere between minutes to tens of seconds are observed during the passage of such shocks. Identification of spikes with peak intensities lasting ~1 min surveyed in over 304 shocks from January 2007 – December 2014 observed by the SEPT (Solar Electron and Proton Telescope) onboard STEREO (Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory) A/B Spacecraft was performed using a new Python Code, followed by visual inspection. We also inspected the database of EPAM (Electron, Proton, and Alpha Monitor) onboard ACE (Advanced Composition Explorer) from 2003 to 2014. We present and discuss the statistical analysis of the shock spikes as a function of parameters such as shock normal angle and Mach number. The Python code can be used to analyse other databases such as WIND and this further paves the way for the employment of ML techniques to replace visual inspection. Such studies are vital in performing exhaustive and in-depth assessment of shock associated particle events.