Small Energetic Electron Events Observed by Parker Solar Probe/ISOIS

The current understanding of the characteristics of energetic electron events in the inner heliosphere is inferred primarily from observations made by spacecraft located at 1 AU. Previous observations at closer heliocentric distances, by the Helios spacecraft at ∼0.3-1 AU, indicate the presence of electron events that are not detected at 1 AU or that have merged or become smeared out during transport from the Sun. Parker Solar Probe’s proximity to the Sun at perihelion provides an opportunity to make the closest measurements yet of energetic electron events. We present an overview of measurements of energetic electrons between ∼17 keV and ∼1 MeV made by the Parker Solar Probe Integrated Science Investigation of the Sun (ISOIS). The current period of solar activity minimum provides an opportunity to examine small electron events that may be challenging to observe later in the mission when solar activity increases. We examine these events in the context of the electromagnetic and solar wind environment measured by the FIELDS and SWEAP instruments on Parker Solar Probe.