Diffuse and Pulsating Aurora

• Published in: Space science reviews Vol. 216; no. 1
• Main Authors: Nishimura, Yukitoshi, Lessard, Marc R., Katoh, Yuto, Miyoshi, Yoshizumi, Grono, Eric, Partamies, Noora, Sivadas, Nithin, Hosokawa, Keisuke, Fukizawa, Mizuki, Samara, Marilia, Michell, Robert G., Kataoka, Ryuho, Sakanoi, Takeshi, Whiter, Daniel K., Oyama, Shin-ichiro, Ogawa, Yasunobu, Kurita, Satoshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.02.2020; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Aerospace Technology and Astronautics; Astrophysics and Astroparticles; Auroral Physics; Auroras; Earth; Electron precipitation; Feasibility studies; Ionosphere; Morphology; Observation techniques; Particle interactions; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Planetology; Radiation; Space Exploration and Astronautics; Space Sciences (including Extraterrestrial Physics; Wave-particle interactions; Diffuse aurora; Pulsating aurora; Energetic electron precipitation; Wave-particle interaction; Whistler-mode chorus
• ISSN: 0038-6308; 1572-9672
• DOI: 10.1007/s11214-019-0629-3

This chapter reviews fundamental properties and recent advances of diffuse and pulsating aurora. Diffuse and pulsating aurora often occurs on closed field lines and involves energetic electron precipitation by wave-particle interaction. After summarizing the definition, large-scale morphology, types of pulsation, and driving processes, we review observation techniques, occurrence, duration, altitude, evolution, small-scale structures, fast modulation, relation to high-energy precipitation, the role of ECH waves, reflected and secondary electrons, ionosphere dynamics, and simulation of wave-particle interaction. Finally we discuss open questions of diffuse and pulsating aurora.