Ionization of the Lower Martian Atmosphere by Bursts of Astrophysical Gamma-rays

Details Ionization of the Lower Martian Atmosphere by Bursts of Astrophysical Gamma-rays Ionization of the Lower Martian Atmosphere by Bursts of Astrophysical Gamma-rays

Dec 2009

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009agufm.p53a..03e&link_type=abstract

American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2009, abstract #P53A-03

Computer Science

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[0335] Atmospheric Composition And Structure / Ion Chemistry Of The Atmosphere, [5405] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Atmospheres, [5435] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Ionospheres, [6225] Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects / Mars

Scientific paper

Powerful astrophysical events such as gamma-ray bursters, soft gamma-ray repeaters, and supernovae have been shown to have appreciable effects on planetary atmospheres. We have developed a numerical model to simulate the passage of high energy radiation through the Martian atmosphere. Based on terrestrial observations of the actual energy spectra of astrophysical gamma-ray events, we have used this model to simulate the effects of representative bursts of gamma-rays. We find that most of the gamma-rays reach the lowest parts of the Martian atmosphere and the surface. In this process, many energetic electrons (> 1 keV) are produced per precipitating photon. At Earth, it has been observed that ionization of several orders of magnitude above the background is produced at comparatively low altitudes (>20 km) by astrophysical sources. It is thus possible that powerful astrophysical events can produce significant ionization throughout an entire hemisphere of the lower Martian atmosphere. Observations of ionization at this altitude are severely limited at Mars, but observations from orbiting spacecraft at Mars are potentially useful. For example, electron spectra, magnetic field measurements, and radar soundings can indicate disturbances in the upper atmosphere. We present such observations made during observed astrophysical gamma-ray events and in some cases see unusual ionospheric signatures. We find that our results, both observational and model based, are relevant to studies of atmospheric chemistry, astrobiology, and plasma physics.

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