Determining the IBEX Ribbon Transverse Profile from ENA Temporal Variations: A Proof of Concept for IMAP Observations

Abstract Since its discovery in 2009, the IBEX energetic neutral atom (ENA) Ribbon has been a subject of numerous studies. It appears at energies ∼0.5–6 keV and is most pronounced ∼1–3 keV. almost circular, ∼20°–40° wide, center lies near pristine local interstellar magnetic field direction, whose lines are draped around heliosphere. The intensity enhanced above more diffuse, globally distributed flux (GDF) varies on timescales that delayed compared to underlying slowly varying GDF. We present novel method infer boundaries transverse profile using sequential time variations ENA fluxes, with minimal modeling assumptions involved. utilizes difference temporal evolution between total content GDF fluxes. then use inferred statistically quantify contribution observed peak be ∼32.23% ± 3.15% 2009–2011. This separation works best during times gradual changes solar wind output, high angular resolution counting statistics; results thus provide proof concept for upcoming Interstellar Mapping Acceleration Probe measurements.