Impulsive solar energetic particle (SEP) events are associated with impulsive X-ray flares, energetic electrons, and enhanced heavy ion abundances. Using instrument on ACE, we examine the onset and ion’s path-length for an impulsive SEP in May 2000. By assuming zero degree pitch-angle scattering, we fit the minimum ion’s path-length and compare that with the nominal Parker spiral length. We found a small difference between the two path-lengths, with the fitted path-length 10% longer. We believe the difference can be due to ions traveling along the magnetic field with a finite pitch angle distribution, and/or from paths differing from the nominal Parker spiral configuration. The event is also found to have a close association with solar metric Type III radio bursts.

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