Ground-Based Support for Soft X-Ray Imaging Missions

Abstract:

Soft X-ray missions like CuPID and LEXI will return global observations of the cusps and magnetopause locations, as well as the distribution of densities within the cusps and magnetosheath, to deduce the properties of magnetic reconnection on the dayside magnetopause. In addition, the joint ESA-CAS mission SMILE will also observe the near-Earth solar wind and magnetosheath plasma and magnetic field input to the magnetosphere and the location, shape, structure, and intensity of the northern auroral oval.

This presentation describes opportunities for researchers employing high-cadence and high spatial resolution ground-based observations to partner with these soft X-ray imaging missions. We discuss how ground magnetometers, radars, all-sky imagers, and riometers aid in distinguishing between magnetopause and cusp motion driven by solar wind pressure variations, reconnection on the dayside magnetopause, and reconnection in the magnetotail. Furthermore, we discuss how they can be used to aid in determining the extent and time variability of reconnection on the magnetopause and in the magnetotail.