Physics
Scientific paper
Oct 1999
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1999stin...0020972b&link_type=abstract
Collected Works, IRF-SR-259
Physics
Neutral Atoms, Imaging Techniques, Space Plasmas, Planetary Magnetospheres, Electric Fields, Charge Exchange, Earth (Planet), Mercury (Planet), Temporal Resolution, Signatures, Ring Currents, Reflection, Polar Orbits, Plasma Layers, Planetary Surfaces, Microsatellites, Theses
Scientific paper
The PhD thesis focuses on energetic neutral atom (ENA) imaging of the magnetospheres of the Earth and Mercury. ENAs are produced when energetic, singly and positively charged ions charge exchange with neutral atoms. Their neutrality allows them to travel in essentially straight lines unaffected by electric and magnetic fields. ENAs can therefore be used to remotely image space plasma. Observations by the ENA imager PIPPI have been analyzed and are presented. The observations show ENA images of the low-altitude (approx. 500 km) ring current, in the energy range 13-52 keV. and of the ionospheric outflow, in the energy range 0.1-10 keV. PIPPI was carried by the Swedish microsatellite Astrid launched in to a 1000 km circular. polar orbit in January, 1995. Terrestrial ENA sources, such as the ring current, ionospheric outflow, and plasma sheet are reviewed. ENA images of Mercury have been simulated using a model of the magnetosphere and exosphere. The images show strong ENA fluxes of 104/(sq cm sr s kev) close to the surface of the planet, both on the dayside and nightside. Specific expected ENA signatures reflecting the extreme nature of the Hermean magnetosphere are discussed. The obtained results are used to define requirements for an ENA instrument measuring ENAs with sufficient time, resolution.
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