  Particles are accelerated to very high, non-thermal energies during explosive
energy-release phenomena in space, solar, and astrophysical plasma
environments. While it has been established that magnetic reconnection plays an
important role in the dynamics of Earth's magnetosphere, it remains unclear how
magnetic reconnection can further explain particle acceleration to non-thermal
energies. Here we review recent progress in our understanding of particle
acceleration by magnetic reconnection in Earth's magnetosphere. With improved
resolutions, recent spacecraft missions have enabled detailed studies of
particle acceleration at various structures such as the diffusion region,
separatrix, jets, magnetic islands (flux ropes), and dipolarization front. With
the guiding-center approximation of particle motion, many studies have
discussed the relative importance of the parallel electric field as well as the
Fermi and betatron effects. However, in order to fully understand the particle
acceleration mechanism and further compare with particle acceleration in solar
and astrophysical plasma environments, there is a need for further
investigation of, for example, energy partition and the precise role of
turbulence.

Space Physics;Earth and Planetary Astrophysics;Plasma Physics