Jovian magnetospheric neutral wind and auroral precipitation flux

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

35

Atmospheric Physics, Auroral Spectroscopy, Jupiter Atmosphere, Neutral Particles, Particle Precipitation, Planetary Magnetospheres, Atmospheric Models, Energy Transfer, Heavy Ions, Planetary Rotation, Ultraviolet Astronomy, Winds Aloft, Jupiter, Magnetosphere, Winds, Auroras, Precipitation, Flux, Energy, Transport, Rotation, Ions, Atmosphere, Ultraviolet, Satellites, Io, Torus, Magnetic Moments, Particles, Diffusion, Flows, Models, Voyager, Observations, Source, Nightside, Solar Wind, Emissions

Scientific paper

A theoretical model of the Jovian magnetosphere is used to describe the mechanism by which energy is transported from Jupiter's rotation into heavy ions precipitating into the atmosphere, and resulting in intense ultraviolet aurora. The flow and magnetic field configurations used in the model are drawn from data collected by the Voyager orbiter. It is shown that the observed Jovian auroral radiation power is supplied by the precipitation of heavy ions of Iogenic origin. The ions are created by a charge exchange between the Io torus and fly as neutrals to the outer magnetosphere. A small fraction of the ions are photoionized in the outer magnetosphere where they acquire a magnetic moment determined by the local corotation electric field and planetary magnetic field. As the ions diffuse inward they are energized adiabatically. A schematic drawing illustrating the evolution of this process is provided. It is also shown that Jupiter may be a significant source of heavy ions for the solar wind by means of photoionization of a neutral wind. Secondary charge exchange in the outer magnetosphere could supply a flux of minimum energy neutral atoms that may have been measured by the Voyager Low Energy Charged Particle detector (LECP).

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

Jovian magnetospheric neutral wind and auroral precipitation flux 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 Jovian magnetospheric neutral wind and auroral precipitation flux, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Jovian magnetospheric neutral wind and auroral precipitation flux will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1396070

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