The interstellar hydrogen shadow: Observations of interstellar pickup ions beyond Jupiter

Details The interstellar hydrogen shadow: Observations of interstellar pickup ions beyond Jupiter The interstellar hydrogen shadow: Observations of interstellar pickup ions beyond Jupiter

Feb 2004

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004jgra..10902104m&link_type=abstract

Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 109, Issue A2, CiteID A02104

Physics

8

Interplanetary Physics: Energetic Particles, Heliospheric (7514), Interplanetary Physics: Interstellar Gas, Interplanetary Physics: Heliopause And Solar Wind Termination, Interplanetary Physics: Interplanetary Magnetic Fields, Interplanetary Physics: Pickup Ions

Scientific paper

This study analyzes the first direct, mass-resolved observations of heliospheric pickup ions beyond the orbit of Jupiter. The Cassini Plasma Spectrometer observes H+, He+, He++, and O+ pickup ions of interstellar origin between 6.4 and 8.2 AU. Cassini's trajectory carries it through the downstream direction where we observe enhancements in the pickup He consistent with gravitational focusing by the Sun. We also show the first in situ observations of an ``interstellar hydrogen shadow'' where pickup H is depleted in the region behind the Sun relative to the local interstellar flow. Most H atoms cannot penetrate into this downstream shadow region both because the outward force due to radiation pressure exceeds gravitational attraction at this time and because H atoms trying to enter the shadow must pass close by the Sun where they have a high probability of being ionized and swept out with the solar wind.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The interstellar hydrogen shadow: Observations of interstellar pickup ions beyond Jupiter does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with The interstellar hydrogen shadow: Observations of interstellar pickup ions beyond Jupiter, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The interstellar hydrogen shadow: Observations of interstellar pickup ions beyond Jupiter will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1020755