Eclipse-Induced Changes to Topside Ion Composition and Interhemispheric
Ion Flows in the August 2017 Solar Eclipse: Swarm-E (e-POP) Observations
Abstract
We present in-situ ion composition and velocity measurements from the
Enhanced Polar Outflow Probe during the August 2017 solar eclipse, which
crossed the path of totality at ~640 km altitude within
10 minutes of totality passing. These measurements reveal two distinct
H+ ion populations, and show a ~40% decrease in topside
plasma density, a similar drop in upward but not downward H+ ion flux,
and a downward O+ ion velocity of ~100 m/s. These
features are directly linked to changes in the H+/O+ composition and
field-aligned or interhemispheric light ion flow, and reduction in the
negative spacecraft potential. These observed features were absent on
the preceding, non-eclipse days, and corroborate the reduction in
F-region plasma density and topside Total Electron Content (TEC)
observed by the Global Position System (GPS) receivers onboard. They are
attributed to the temporary reduction of photoionization in the eclipsed
F-region.