Electron distribution functions measured on the Dynamics Explorer 1 spacecraft are shown to have the characteristics expected in a region of parallel electric fields. In a previous study we have shown that the distributions typically observed at altitudes near and above an altitude of one earth radius over the auroral oval are indicative of field‐free regions between regions of parallel acceleration above and below the observation point. Test‐particle simulations show that electron distributions resembling bi‐directional conics are expected to occur in regions of parallel electric fields, and this type of distribution has been observed with the High Altitude Plasma Instrument aboard the Dynamics Explorer 1 spacecraft.