Photoelectron fluxes in the Martian ionosphere

Details Photoelectron fluxes in the Martian ionosphere Photoelectron fluxes in the Martian ionosphere

Feb 1979

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1979jgr....84..369m&link_type=abstract

Journal of Geophysical Research, vol. 84, Feb. 1, 1979, p. 369-385.

Physics

25

Atmospheric Radiation, Ionospheric Electron Density, Mars Atmosphere, Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Planetary Ionospheres, Solar Radiation, Airglow, Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Electron Energy, Far Ultraviolet Radiation, Gas Ionization, Viking Lander 1, Carbon Dioxide, Airglow, Models, Equilibrium, Earth, Comparisons, Viking 1, Retarding Potential Analyzer, Ionization, Mass Spectrometers, Spectrum, Mars, Flux, Electrons, Ionosphere, Atmosphere, Carbon Monoxide

Scientific paper

Calculations are presented of the steady-state photoelectron distribution in the upper atmosphere of Mars, consistent with the neutral upper atmosphere and ionosphere particle concentrations and temperatures measured by Viking 1. Uncertainties in the calculations affect the thermal electron gas heating rate. Major conclusions are that (1) over most of the altitude range of the Martian ionosphere, the steady-state photoelectron flux amplitude is larger than that in the earth's, so that photoelectron-impact-excited airglow on Mars is generally more significant than it is on earth; (2) the steady-state photoelectron energy distribution in the Martian ionosphere is softer and more structured than that in the terrestrial ionosphere; (3) photoelectron impact ionization contributes about 30% to the total ionization rate in the Martian ionosphere; and (4) photoelectron impact excitation contributes 20-30% of the CO2(+) and CO zenith airglow emissions on Mars.

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