Energetic particles in the night-time middle- and low-latitude ionosphere

Abstract Data are presented on the zones of energetic particle precipitation at middle and low latitudes observed during and after magnetic storm injection events. Satellite measurements of the equatorial zone ion flux (∼ 10 3 - 10 4 cm −2 s −1 sr −1 for E > 45 keV at 240 km) are consistent with the development of a temporary low altitude ion radiation belt at the magnetic equator. In the midlatitude ion zone the flux (∼ 10 3 - 10 5 ions cm −2 s −1 sr −1 for E > 45 keV at 220 km) is directly related to magnetic activity while the midlatitude electron zone flux has a delayed response (∼ 4 days).