High Resolution Imaging X-ray Spectroscopy of Mars

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Scientific paper

The first observation of Mars with XMM-Newton, in November 2003, has provided a wealth of novel information about the X-ray properties of our neighbouring planet. High resolution imaging spectroscopy with RGS clearly shows that its X-ray emission is composed of two different components: fluorescent scattering of solar X-rays on neutral molecules in its upper atmosphere, and emission from highly charged ions in its exosphere. The flux ratio in the O6+ multiplet proves that these ions are of solar wind origin, interacting with the exospheric neutrals by charge exchange. This is the first definite detection of charge exchange induced X-ray emission from the exosphere of another planet. X-ray images of the Martian exosphere in individual emission lines exhibit a highly anisotropic morphology. Most of the emission is observed several 1000 km above the Martian poles. The detailed morphology, however, is different between individual ions and ionization states. With its capability to trace the X-ray emission out to at least 8 Mars radii, XMM-Newton proceeds into exospheric regions far beyond those that have been observationally explored to date.

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