Physics
Scientific paper
Mar 1998
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1998jgr...103.4723k&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research, vol. 103, p. 4723
Physics
31
Planetary Magnetic Fields, Venus Atmosphere, Pioneer Venus Spacecraft, Solar Wind, Magnetohydrodynamics, Computerized Simulation, Bow Waves, Shock Waves
Scientific paper
We investigate the extent to which a 3D MHD model of the Venus-solar wind interaction, with and without 'mass loading' by photoionization of the atomic oxygen upper atmosphere, can reproduce some of the basic features of the dayside magnetic field observed on the Pioneer Venus Orbiter. The ideal MHD model uses a conducting sphere to represent the basic Venus ionospheric obstacle to the solar wind flow. We adopt the viewpoint that during solar maximum, a conducting obstacle with oxygen mass loading is appropriate, while a no-mass loading case is a good first approximation to the solar minimum situation. The MHD simulations are found to give a realistic picture of both the shape of the bow shock and its observed elliptical cross section at the terminator. The introduction of the oxygen mass loading moves the shock position to that observed at solar maximum. The magnetic field strength on the dayside has a dependence on solar zenith angle similar to that found in statistical analyses of the PV0 data, although the field is stronger than that measured. The mass loading creates a layer near the planet where the magnetic pressure is replaced with the thermal pressure much like observed. Our studies also raise the question of the role of nightside flow vortices in the formation of the effective obstacle boundary. Overall, our results illustrate that many features seen in the MHD model are consistent with the previously reported observations of the Pioneer Venus Orbiter.
Kallio Esa
Luhmann Janet G.
Lyon John G.
No associations
LandOfFree
Magnetic field near Venus - A comparison between Pioneer Venus Orbiter magnetic field observations and an MHD simulation 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 Magnetic field near Venus - A comparison between Pioneer Venus Orbiter magnetic field observations and an MHD simulation, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Magnetic field near Venus - A comparison between Pioneer Venus Orbiter magnetic field observations and an MHD simulation will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-954232