The reflection of solar wind electrons at the bow shock helps define the physical properties of the foreshock, the region where the interplanetary magnetic field directly connects to the bow shock. We report that the strahl, the field-aligned component of the electron solar wind distribution, appears to be nearly fully reflected at the bow shock and that the reflection occurs in the foot of the shock, implying that mirroring is not the primary cause of the electron reflection.

Using Cluster data we have noted observations of diffusion-like signatures in the energy range where the the solar wind halo and strahl populations overlap. This includes the development of a proto-halo. At present the source of this diffusion is not known or understood. The prime analysis was carried out through the use of phi–theta plots at individual energy steps. The motivation was to understand if repartitioning in energy was occurring at these locations.