HelioSTET: Enhancing Heliospheric Magnetic Field Modeling Using Suprathermal Electrons

Authors: David Galarza (University of Florida), Alicia Petersen (University of Florida)

A major challenge in heliophysics is accurately characterizing the large-scale structure and evolution of the heliospheric magnetic field (HMF), a key driver of space weather phenomena. Suprathermal electrons (SEs), which stream along HMF lines, provide a unique tool for probing magnetic connectivity and field topology. Their pitch-angle distributions (PADs) encode signatures of local and global magnetic structure, like whether field lines are connected to the Sun at one footpoint, at both ends, or disconnected altogether. These PAD morphologies can be leveraged to diagnose magnetic conditions across the inner heliosphere. This project introduces the Heliospheric Suprathermal Electron Transport (HelioSTET) framework, a developing tool designed to model SE propagation and pitch-angle evolution throughout the heliosphere. By linking observed PADs to underlying transport equations, we open the door to extending PAD-based diagnostics across heliocentric distances, including regions explored by missions like Parker Solar Probe.