The plasma environment of Venus: comparison of Venus Express ASPERA-4 measurements with 3D hybrid simulations

Computer Science

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Scientific paper

ABSTRACT We use data of the ASPERA-4 ion and electron spectrometers onboard Venus Express (VEX) to determine the locations and shapes of the plasma boundaries [1] (bow shock, ion composition boundary and mantle) at Venus. We also investigate the variation of the terminator bow shock position as a function of the solar wind dynamic pressure, total magnetic pressure and solar EUV flux. Additionally, we analyse the shock location as a function of the magnetosonic Mach number and IMF clock angle. We compare the results with a 3D hybrid simulation [3]. In the hybrid model, ions are treated as individual particles moving in self-consistently generated electromagnetic fields and electrons are modeled as a massless charge neutralizing fluid. The planetary heavy ion plasma is generated by an oxygen ionosphere and exosphere adapted to a profile, which depends on the solar zenith angle (Chapman layer). A comparison between observations and simulations indicates that the hybrid model is able to produce an adequate picture of the global plasma environment at Venus [2]. The positions of the plasma boundaries are well reproduced by the model but a significant disagreement appears in the absolute values of the considered parameters. References [1] Martinecz, C. et al. (2008), Planet Space Sci., doi:10.1016/j.pss.2007.01.014. [2] Martinecz, C. et al. (2008), JGR, submitted. [3] Bagdonat, T. and Motschmann, U. (2002), Earth Moon and Planets, 305-321.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

The plasma environment of Venus: comparison of Venus Express ASPERA-4 measurements with 3D hybrid simulations 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 The plasma environment of Venus: comparison of Venus Express ASPERA-4 measurements with 3D hybrid simulations, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The plasma environment of Venus: comparison of Venus Express ASPERA-4 measurements with 3D hybrid simulations will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1794661

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.