Physics
Scientific paper
Sep 1987
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1987sici.symp...38p&link_type=abstract
In Alabama Univ., Huntsville. STIP Symposium on Physical Interpretation of Solar/Interplanetary and Cometary Intervals p 38 (SEE
Physics
Comet Tails, Giacobini-Zinner Comet, Interplanetary Medium, Intervals, Magnetohydrodynamic Flow, Solar Wind, Space Plasmas, Venus (Planet), International Sun Earth Explorer 3, Interplanetary Magnetic Fields, Mariner 5 Space Probe, Planetary Ionospheres, Plasma Temperature, Venera 10 Satellite, Venera 9 Satellite
Scientific paper
A review of current models of solar wind flow in the plasma tails of weakly magnetized bodies is presented. Measurements conducted by the Mariner 5 spacecraft, the Veneras 9 and 10, and the PVO orbiters, in the Venus tail, and with the ICE spacecraft in the tail of Comet Giacobini-Zinner, reveal common plasma properties which suggest that similar physical processes are operative. Most notable is the observation of decreased flow velocities and enhanced plasma temperatures in the vicinity of their plasma tails. In Venus, the measured velocity and temperature fields are consistent with the effects of frictional forces between the mass-loaded ionosheath flow and the ionosphere along the (magnetic) polar regions of the ionopause. It is argued that similar conditions exist at a cometary ionopause and that the distribution of magnetic fluxes in a cometary tail is controlled by the entry of plasma fluxes from the (magnetic) polar regions of the comet's ionospheric obstacle. This question is further addressed in connection with the two-step shape of the magnetic profile measured across the tail of the comet. It is suggested that the low intensity outer increases of the magnetic lobes are associated with the draping of the interplanetary magnetic field lines around the comet's ionospheric obstacle, and that the higher intensity increases seen in the inner regions of the magnetic lobes are due to an additional compression of magnetic fluxes produced by the entry of plasma particles into the tail.
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