Physics
Scientific paper
Feb 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009georl..3604107s&link_type=abstract
Geophysical Research Letters, Volume 36, Issue 4, CiteID L04107
Physics
1
Magnetospheric Physics: Planetary Magnetospheres (5443, 5737, 6033), Magnetospheric Physics: Solar Wind/Magnetosphere Interactions, Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Mercury, Magnetospheric Physics: Field-Aligned Currents And Current Systems (2409)
Scientific paper
The solar wind conditions near Mercury's perihelion, especially during Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejection (ICME) events, will often be characterized by very low Alfvén Mach number (<=3). We suggest that the low Mach numbers and large north-south magnetic fields during ICMEs will lead to the formation of ``Alfvén wings'' that will affect the configuration of the Hermean magnetosphere. It is shown that an electrical conductance threshold of about 5 S, comparable to the Alfvén conductance in the solar wind, is required for generation of Alfvén wings at Mercury. Assuming crustal conductances above this value it is demonstrated that currents in the Alfvén wings and closing across the planetary surface will produce significant perturbations (>=10 nT) of the magnetospheric magnetic field.
Sarantos Menelaos
Slavin James Arthur
No associations
LandOfFree
On the possible formation of Alfvén wings at Mercury during encounters with coronal mass ejections 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 On the possible formation of Alfvén wings at Mercury during encounters with coronal mass ejections, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the possible formation of Alfvén wings at Mercury during encounters with coronal mass ejections will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-917385