Comment on "Effects of electron temperature anisotropy on proton mirror instability evolution" by Ahmadi et al. (2016). Issue 1 (3rd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Remya, B.; Reddy, R. V.; Tsurutani, B. T.; Lakhina, G. S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of geophysical research. Volume 122:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 745
• Page End: 747
• Publication Date: 2017-01-03
• Subjects: Electron temperature anisotropy -- mirror modes -- magnetosheath; Magnetospheric physics -- Periodicals; Space environment -- Periodicals; Cosmic physics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Atmospheres -- Periodicals; Heliosphere (Astrophysics) -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Periodicals; 523.01
• DOI: 10.1002/2016JA023148
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-9380

Abstract

Abstract: In a recent paper, Ahmadi et al. (2016) analyze the effect of electron temperature anisotropy on proton mirror instability. They find that the electron whistler instability grows faster and consumes all the available electron free energy so that no anisotropy is left to fuel the proton mirror mode growth. In this comment we present both observational and theoretical arguments about why we think this is incorrect. Key Points: Electron temperature anisotropy effect on mirror modes Mirror modes and lion roars throughout the Earth's magnetosheath Electron whistler instability and isotropization of electrons