Electron energization during Earth's magnetotail reconnection

Electrons are accelerated to very high, non-thermal energies during explosive energy-release phenomena in space plasma environments. In Earth's magnetotail, it has been established that magnetic reconnection plays an important role for releasing the magnetic energy, but it remains unclear if or how magnetic reconnection can further explain electron acceleration to non-thermal energies. Here we present an overview on heating and electron acceleration in Earth's magnetotail with a particular focus on energy partition between thermal and non-thermal components. We will also discuss some implications on electron acceleration in other plasma environments, open questions, and possible future directions.