Physics
Scientific paper
Dec 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008agufm.u12a..04a&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2008, abstract #U12A-04
Physics
1595 Planetary Magnetism: All Frequencies And Wavelengths, 2756 Planetary Magnetospheres (5443, 5737, 6033), 5440 Magnetic Fields And Magnetism
Scientific paper
MESSENGER's second flyby of Mercury on 6 October 2008 provides the first observations of the magnetic field in the planet's western hemisphere. The second flyby is planned to achieve closest approach near 200 km altitude and 130 degrees west longitude. This encounter will provide a trajectory through the magnetosphere similar to the first flyby but in the opposite body-fixed hemisphere, allowing assessment of the axisymmetry of the planetary magnetic field. The first flyby revealed plasmas with pressures comparable to the magnetic field energy density throughout the magnetosphere for quiescent magnetospheric conditions, in particular exhibiting plasma inclusions close to the planet and a layer of plasma inside the magnetopause rotational discontinuity. In addition, ultra-low-frequency (ULF) waves were observed throughout much of MESSENGER's first Mercury encounter. The second MESSENGER encounter with Mercury offers an opportunity to assess the persistence of the magnetopause structure, the prevalence of plasma inclusions close to the planet, ULF waves, and the presence of energetic electrons as reported by Mariner 10 but absent during MESSENGER's first flyby. Observations from the Magnetometer, Fast Imaging Plasma Spectrometer, and Energetic Particle Spectrometer from the second flyby should provide new information on the dynamics and structure of Mercury's magnetosphere and additional implications for the planetary magnetic field.
Acuña Mario Humberto
Anderson Benjamin J.
Boardsen Scott A.
Gloeckler George
Gold Robert E.
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