Current understanding of SEP acceleration and transport

Abstract

Through new missions and unusual solar conditions, solar cycle 24 has afforded the opportunity for expanding our understanding of solar energetic particle (SEP) acceleration and transport. With complementary SEP observations from multiple spacecraft separated significantly in longitude, it has been possible to examine the longitudinal distribution of energetic particles in individual events, rather than relying on statistical event studies. Unprecedented 360° views of the Sun, in multiple wavelengths and coronagraphs, has made it possible to identify solar source regions regardless of where they are located and to more accurately determine the properties of related coronal mass ejections. The unusually quiet conditions during the onset of cycle 24 allowed smaller SEP events to be examined and their source regions to be unambiguously identified. This paper reviews some of the unexpected results from multi-spacecraft SEP observations made over this solar cycle and discusses their implications for particle acceleration near the Sun and transport through the inner heliosphere.

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