ИСТИНА

We studied the dynamics of the keV-energy electrons and protons measured by low-altitude NOAA/POES satellites during 23 and 24 solar cycles. We performed the research in following interrelated directions. 1) Global distribution of particle fluxes was investigated and occasional abrupt enhancements of energetic electrons at low latitudes were found. These electron enhancements do not coincide in time with the well-known proton enhancements, and their mechanisms are different. Results of statistical analysis of temporal and spatial variations of electron and proton fluxes in connection with solar and geomagnetic activities are presented. 2) The energetic particles at low altitudes impact on neutral gas in the upper atmosphere, altering ionospheric parameters, ionization, conductivity, and chemical content. A special attention is given to the particle-related ionospheric effects at low latitudes as a new direction of research. We found evidences of the ionizing particle effects in the topside ionopshere at low latitudes. Ionizing effects produced by electrons at low latitudes is comparable in magnitude with ionospheric positive storms. Impact of the energetic protons on the ionosphere at low-middle latitudes results in ionospheric irregularities. 3) A comprehensive study of solar wind driving parameters of particle enhancements at low-middle latitudes allows finding a new factor, which can play a key role during magnetically quiet time. The radial interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) together with IMF discontinuities can lead to interrelated magnetosheric and ionopsheric phenomena such as local magnetospheric compressions, ULF activity in Pc1 band, electron enhancements at low latitudes and ring current proton precipitation bursts.