Physics
Scientific paper
Dec 2010
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010agufmsm34b..01b&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2010, abstract #SM34B-01
Physics
[2744] Magnetospheric Physics / Magnetotail, [2756] Magnetospheric Physics / Planetary Magnetospheres, [2780] Magnetospheric Physics / Solar Wind Interactions With Unmagnetized Bodies, [6225] Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects / Mars
Scientific paper
Venus and Mars occupy a similar region in the broad spectrum of plasma interactions with solar system bodies. The magnetospheres at both objects are induced, formed by the interaction of supersonic solar wind plasma at roughly 1 AU with highly conducting ionospheres. The magnetic field carried by incident solar wind plasma 'drapes' around the atmospheric obstacle on the day side of each planet, and forms an induced two-lobed magnetotail on the night side. The global configuration of the two magnetotails can be highly variable, determined by the constantly changing upstream conditions. Magnetotail plasma is dominated by atmospheric ions at both planets - these processes are believed to have significantly altered the atmospheres, climate, and even surface evolution at both. Yet these two magnetotails are not entirely similar. Mars is substantially smaller than Venus and orbits at double the heliocentric distance. These differences influence the importance of ion gyromotion in the magnetotails, the amount of mass loading of the solar wind plasma flow, and the upstream conditions encountered at each object. Mars also possesses strong crustal magnetic fields which significantly complicate the magnetotail structure and plasma processes close to the planet. In this presentation we will provide an overview of the global structure, variability, and active plasma processes in the magnetotails of both Venus and Mars, placing them in context with other solar system bodies. We will then focus on recent results from the Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Express, and Venus Express spacecraft missions, as well as recent results obtained from global plasma simulations for both bodies. We will identify outstanding questions and measurements for the future.
Brain David Andrew
Eastwood Jonathan P.
Halekas Jasper S.
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