First Observation of Magnetic Flux Rope Inside Electron Diffusion Region

• Published in: Geophysical research letters 2021-04, Vol.48 (7), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Chen, Z. Z., Fu, H. S., Wang, Z., Guo, Z. Z., Xu, Y., Liu, C. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: electron diffusion region; magnetic flux rope; magnetic reconnection
• ISSN: 0094-8276; 1944-8007
• DOI: 10.1029/2020GL089722

Magnetic flux ropes (MFRs) play a crucial role during magnetic reconnection. They are believed to be primarily generated by tearing mode instabilities in the electron diffusion region (EDR). However, they have never been observed inside the EDR. Here, we present the first observation of an MFR inside an EDR. The bifurcated nonforce‐free MFR, with a width of ∼27.5 de in the L direction and ∼4.8 de in the N direction, was moving away from the X‐line. Inside the MFR, strong energy dissipation was detected. The MFR can modulate the electric field in the EDR. We reconstructed magnetic topology of the electron‐scale MFR. Our study promotes understanding of MRFs’ initial state and its role in electron‐scale processes during magnetic reconnection. Key Points We present the first observation of a magnetic flux rope (MFR) inside an electron diffusion region The MFR, with a width of ∼27.5 de in the L direction and ∼4.8 de in the N direction, was moving away from the X‐line We reconstructed magnetic topology of the electron‐scale MFR