1. Magnetospheric Electron Flows In The Martian Ionosphere. Detection And Implications.
- Author
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Sergis, N., Dialynas, K., Roussos, E., and Moussas, X.
- Subjects
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ELECTRON impact ionization , *MARS (Planet) , *MARTIAN ionosphere , *MAGNETOSPHERIC radio wave propagation , *MAGNETOSPHERE - Abstract
A number of distinct hot plasma flux tubes are detected in the Martian ionosphere, primarily formed when the magnetospheric plasma is magnetically connected to the upper ionosphere. We examine the physical characteristics and topology of the flux tubes, which are observed during the highly elliptical orbits of the Mars Global Surveyor. Most of the flux tubes were detected at high solar zenith angles, while the inclination of the flow direction is almost entirely determined by the magnetic sources of the crust. Magnetospheric proton and electron precipitation is expected to produce energetic neutral atoms and cause multiple ionizations, possibly followed by electromagnetic emission (even soft X-rays). An extend network of magnetospheric plasma tubes could also result the uneven heating of the upper ionosphere. We also provide a first order estimation of the typical impact ionization rate within a flux tube and evaluate electron precipitation as an ion production mechanism. © 2006 American Institute of Physics [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2006
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