The downward flux of O(+) over the nightside of Venus

Details The downward flux of O(+) over the nightside of Venus The downward flux of O(+) over the nightside of Venus

Dec 1994

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1994icar..112..396b&link_type=abstract

Icarus (ISSN 0019-1035), vol. 112, no. 2, p. 396-404

Physics

5

Atmospheric Models, Mapping, Night, Oxygen Ions, Venus Atmosphere, Electron Density (Concentration), Mass Spectrometers, Pioneer Venus Spacecraft, Spatial Distribution

Scientific paper

We have constructed a map of the downward flux of O(+) over the nightside of Venus at high and low solar activities through a combination of modeling and analysis of Pioneer Venus ion mass spectrometer data. O(+) density profiles were obtained for almost 40 inbound or outbound segments of orbits from the first 2 years of the mission and about 40 more in the recent reentry phase of the mission. We have determined the nearly linear relationship between the 0(+) maximum density and the downward O(+) flux for several solar zenith angles and local times by constructing models of the nightside ionosphere of Venus for a range of downward ion fluxes at the upper boundaries. We find that the largest downward fluxes occur near the terminators, and the fluxes fall off sharply toward the antisolar point. Although the standard deviations in the data are large, there is a suggestion of a local maximum near 155 deg, and the location of this maximum correlates fairly well with structure in the peak electron density as a function of solar zenith angle reported for the Pioneer Venus radio occulation experiment. The average downward ion flux is inferred to be about 1.7 x 108/sq cm/sec over the nightside hemisphere at solar maximum and a factor of 7 less at moderately low solar activity.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The downward flux of O(+) over the nightside of Venus 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 downward flux of O(+) over the nightside of Venus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The downward flux of O(+) over the nightside of Venus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1411366