An empirical model of the Venusian outer environment. I - The shape of the dayside solar wind-atmosphere interface. II - The shape and location of the bow shock

Physics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

4

Venus, Pvo Mission, Spacecraft Observations, Models, Shape, Dayside, Solar Wind, Atmosphere, Plasma, Magnetic Fields, Ionosphere, Pressure, Ionopause, Temperature

Scientific paper

Solar wind plasma and magnetic field data and ionospheric data obtained from the Pioneer Venus orbiter are discussed. The variation in the magnetic field pressure within the magnetic barrier is shown to be similar to that expected for the solar wind pressure variations along an obstacle's boundary when a more realistic approximation of the shape of the ionosphere is included. Simultaneous solar wind pressure, ionospheric pressure, and magnetic barrier pressure data reveal that the ionospheric pressure below the ionopause is approximately equal to the solar wind pressure. The magnetic barrier pressure is found to be equal to approximately 2/3 to 3/4 of both the solar wind pressure and the ionospheric pressure. Estimates of the hot plasma pressure contribution to the total pressure in the magnetic barrier vary from 1/4 to 1/3. Just below the ionopause the ionospheric pressure deviations from the mean ionospheric pressure are significant, especially below approximately 400 km; they appear to be indicative of the adjustment of the ionospheric structure to changeing solar wind conditions. A first-order model of the ionopause pressure variations as a function of height and solar-zenith angle is proposed. Venera 9 and Venera 10 bow shock crossings are then analyzed for solar zenith angles in the range from approximately 25 deg to approximately 153 deg. A comparison of Venera 9 and Venera 10 bow shock crossings with those observed by the Pioneer Venus orbiter suggests that both the secular variation and the latitudinal asymmetry may be responsible for the closer shock crossings of the Venera 9 and Venera 10 spacecraft.

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

An empirical model of the Venusian outer environment. I - The shape of the dayside solar wind-atmosphere interface. II - The shape and location of the bow shock 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 An empirical model of the Venusian outer environment. I - The shape of the dayside solar wind-atmosphere interface. II - The shape and location of the bow shock, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and An empirical model of the Venusian outer environment. I - The shape of the dayside solar wind-atmosphere interface. II - The shape and location of the bow shock will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-755541

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