[P-CG19] Planetary Magnetosphere, Ionosphere, and Atmosphere

[PCG19-P05] Test particle simulations of electron energy loss by ionization around Enceladus: A model for energy dependent ionization cross sections

*Hiroyasu Tadokoro¹, Yuto Katoh² (1.Chiba Keizai University, 2.Tohoku University)

Keywords:test particle simulation, Saturn, Enceladus, electron-neutral collision, ionization, Monte Carlo method

Saturn’s inner magnetosphere is dominated by water group neutrals (H₂O, OH, and O) originated from Enceladus. Previous studies showed that the neutrals contribute to loss processes of plasma in the inner magnetosphere. However, much less is known about a quantitative study of the electron loss process due to electron-neutral collisions. Tadokoro and Katoh [2014] estimated the loss rate of 1keV electrons into the loss cone through pitch angle scattering due to the electron elastic collisions with neutral H₂O around Enceladus. Ionization cross sections in the electron energy above keV is greater than elastic collision cross sections. Here, we focus on 1keV electron energy loss by the ionization with neutral H₂O in this study, conducting one dimensional test-particle simulation. We show the 1keV electron energy loss due to ionization process including the effect of energy loss by secondary electrons. We also discuss a model for single differential cross sections.