Spacecraft Observations and Theoretical Understanding of Slow Electron Holes

We present Magnetospheric Multiscale observations showing large numbers of slow electron holes with speeds clustered near the local minimum of double-humped velocity distribution functions of background ions. Theoretical computations show that slow electron holes can avoid the acceleration that otherwise prevents their remaining slow only under these same circumstances. Although the origin of the slow electron holes is still elusive, the agreement between observation and theory about the conditions for their existence is remarkable.

Automated summary

Observations show a large number of slow electron holes with speeds clustered near the local minimum of double-humped velocity distribution functions of background ions, which can avoid acceleration under certain circumstances according to theoretical calculations. The origin of these slow electron holes remains elusive, but the agreement between observation and theory regarding the conditions for their existence is remarkable.