The Polar Ionospheric X-ray Imaging Experiment (PIXIE)

Imhof, W. L.; Spear, Kathleen; Hamilton, J. W.; Higgins, Brad R.; Murphy, Mac; Pronko, J.G.; Vondrak, R. R.; McKenzie, D. L.; Rice, C. J.; Gorney, D. J.; Roux, D.; Williams, Randall; Stein, J. A.; Bjordal, Jan Magnus; Stadsnes, J.; Njoten, Kare; Rosenberg, T. J.; Lutz, L.; Detrick, D. L.

doi:10.1007/bf00751336

Cited by 76 publications

(41 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…PIXIE is an X-ray camera aboard the Polar spacecraft. Images include fluxes up to 1.6×10 4 photon/(cm 2 -sr-s) of X-rays (2-12 keV) generated by precipitating electrons with energy from a few keV to more than 30 keV, which determine the intensity of energetic precipitation when aurora occurs (Imhof et al, 1995).…”

Section: Observationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characteristics of night-time absorption spike events

et al. 2006

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Abstract. Sudden increases in cosmic radio noise absorption, known as spike events, have been identified as signatures of substorms in the previous studies. Using data from the IRIS (Imaging Riometer for Ionospheric Studies) at Kilpisjärvi, Finland (L ∼6) more than 450 night-time spike events between 1994 and 2003 have been identified. Spike events fall into four distinct categories based on their structure and the background magnetic activity as indicated by a local westward electrojet (IL index) derived from the IM-AGE (International Monitor for Auroral Geomagnetic Effects) magnetometer network as well as Pi2 magnetic pulsations from SAMNET (The UK Sub-Auroral Magnetometer Network). Classifying the types of absorption spikes allows for identification of phenomena such as multiple onsets and pseudobreakups from riometer data. In addition we have studied the statistical variation of absorption spikes and their sub-classes. This includes examining the magnetic local time (MLT) distribution and the seasonal and solar-cycle variation in spike occurrence.Those that seem to represent substorm onsets show a decidedly different MLT variation to those isolated spikes that represent pseudobreakups. The occurrence of spikes during different levels of geomagnetic activity is examined using the K p index.Wavelet analysis has been used for studying the temporal structure of spikes; also the direction of motion of spike events and localisation of spikes are presented for all events and each sub-class and results are compared with previous studies.Statistical studies are supported with X-ray images of aurora from PIXIE (The Polar Ionospheric X-ray Imaging Experiment) when available.

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Section: Observationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characteristics of night-time absorption spike events

et al. 2006

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“…Recently the PIXIE X-ray camera on the NASA POLAR satellite (Imhof et al, 1995), launched in February 1996, has obtained global images of the auroral X-rays. This will provide a unique tool for making progress in the study of the dynamic interaction between magnetospheric high-energy electrons and the ionosphere, e.g.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Simultaneous measurements of X-rays and electrons during a pulsating aurora

et al. 1998

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Abstract. The PULSAUR II rocket was launched from Andùya Rocket Range at 23.43 UT on 9 February 1994 into a pulsating aurora. In this paper we focus on the observations of precipitating electrons and auroral X-rays. By using models it is possible to deduce the electron energy spectrum from X-ray measurements. Comparisons are made between the deduced electron uxes and the directly measured electron¯uxes on the rocket. We found the shape of the observed and the deduced electron spectra to ®t very well, with almost identical e-folding energies in the energy range from 10 ke V to $ 60±80 ke V. For the integrated¯uxes from 10.8 to 250 ke V, we found a discrepancy of 30% . By combining two models, we have found a good method of deducing the electron precipitation from X-ray measurements. The discrepancies between calculations and measurements are in the range of the uncertainties in the measurements.

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“…Our primary data source for this study are X-ray images from the Polar Ionospheric X-ray Imager Experiment (PIXIE) camera on the Polar satellite (Imhof et al, 1995). PIXIE is a multiple pinhole X-ray imager with a front and rear gas chamber detector.…”

Section: Instrumentationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pi2-pulsations observed in energetic electron precipitation and magnetic field in association with a substorm surge

et al. 2004

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Abstract. For a substorm 24 July 1998 PIXIE observes the onset and expansion during a perigee pass of the Polar satellite. This gives an opportunity to follow the evolution of the onset and expansion phase, almost on a global scale with relatively high temporal resolution. The substorm is presented with multiple observations throughout the magnetosphere. Following the onset of the substorm we observe a localised region of modulated energetic electron fluxes following the passage of the westward travelling surge in the pre-midnight region. We count at least six clear pulses with a period of approximately one minute. Concurrent magnetic ground measurements show similar characteristics, almost simultaneously with the pulses in precipitation. We propose several possible mechanism for the pulsations, amongst them the theory of modulated wave particle interaction first proposed by Coroniti and Kennel (1970).

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The Polar Ionospheric X-ray Imaging Experiment (PIXIE)

Cited by 76 publications

References 14 publications

Characteristics of night-time absorption spike events

Characteristics of night-time absorption spike events

Simultaneous measurements of X-rays and electrons during a pulsating aurora

Pi2-pulsations observed in energetic electron precipitation and magnetic field in association with a substorm surge

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