Multiprobe estimation of field line curvature radius in the equatorial magnetosphere and the use of proton precipitations in magnetosphere‐ionosphere mapping

Nonadiabatic, chaotic motion of ions under a curved geomagnetic field geometry is well recognized as a key mechanism that leads to the pitch angle scattering of protons in the equatorial magnetosphere. The efficiency of such proton pitch angle scattering process is energy dependent and controlled by the radius of curvature of the magnetic field line (RCMFL). The protons scattered into the loss cone will precipitate into the ionosphere and …