Measurement and Intensity of Energetic Electrons at the Equator at 6.6 <i>R_e</i>

Abstract

This paper presents preliminary results of measurements of 50 to 1000 keV electrons at the geomagnetic equator at 6.6 R e . Quiet‐day electron fluxes exhibit a diurnal dip in intensity at local midnight accompanied by a softening of the electron spectrum. During geomagnetically disturbed times the 50 to 150 keV electrons exhibit large fluctuations in intensity; we have denoted these fluctuations as “spikes.” These spikes are largest just after local midnight and decrease in intensity as local time increases. They have a duration of about 1 hr and tend to recur with about a 2‐hr period. The electron spectrum softens considerably during the spikes. Generally the variations in intensity of the electrons correlates excellently with the K p index.