Energetic Ion Dynamics in Pluto's Induced Magnetosphere

New Horizons observations show an extensive depletion region at Pluto’s wakeside as a result of the interaction of heliospheric ions with Pluto’s induced magnetosphere. This rarefaction arises despite the ions having gyroradii multiple orders of magnitude greater than the dwarf planet’s radius. The interaction is studied by employing an energetic particle tracing tool in conjunction with electromagnetic field output from a hybrid plasma simulation of Pluto’s interaction region. The tracing of incident heliospheric ions across a range of energies will be used to analyze the deflection mechanisms responsible for the formation of this depleted region at Pluto’s wakeside.

Additionally, periodic variations in energetic ion flux have been identified within the wake region. We investigate whether particle deflection as a result of the field from bi-ion waves produced by the shear flow between solar wind and pick-up ions can explain the periodicities observed in the wake.