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MoMo: a new empirical model of the Mars ionospheric total electron content based on Mars Express MARSIS data
- Source :
- Journal of Space Weather and Space Climate, Journal of Space Weather and Space Climate, EDP sciences, 2019, 9, pp.A36. ⟨10.1051/swsc/2019035⟩, Journal of Space Weather and Space Climate, Vol 9, p A36 (2019), Journal of Space Weather and Space Climate, 2019, 9, pp.A36. ⟨10.1051/swsc/2019035⟩, Journal of Space Weather and Space Climate, Vol. 9, p. A36 (2019)
- Publication Year :
- 2019
- Publisher :
- HAL CCSD, 2019.
-
Abstract
- Aims: Several scientific landers and rovers have reached the Martian surface since the 1970s. Communication between the asset (i.e., lander or rover) and Mars orbiters or Earth antennas uses radio signals in UHF to X-band frequencies passing through the Mars’ ionosphere. It is consequently necessary to take into account electron density variation in the Mars’ ionosphere to correct the refraction of the signal transmitted. Methods: We developed a new empirical model of the Mars’ ionosphere called MoMo. It is based on the large database of Total Electron Content (TEC) derived from the subsurface mode of the Mars Express MARSIS radar. The model provides vertical TEC as a function of solar zenith angle, solar activity, solar longitude and location. For validation, the model is compared with Mars Express radio occultation data as well as with the numerical model IPIM (IRAP Plasmasphere-Ionosphere Model). Results: We discussed the output of the model in terms of climatology behaviour of the Mars’ ionosphere. The output of MoMo is then uses to quantify the impact of the Martian ionosphere for radio-science experiments. From our results, the effect is of the order of 10−3 mm s−1 in Doppler observables especially around sunrise and sunset. Consequently, this new model could be used to support the data analysis of any radio-science experiment and especially for present InSight RISE and futur ExoMars LARA instruments aiming at better understand the deep-interior of Mars.
- Subjects :
- Martian
Atmospheric Science
010504 meteorology & atmospheric sciences
Total electron content
Solar zenith angle
MARSIS
Mars Exploration Program
lcsh:QC851-999
01 natural sciences
Physics::Geophysics
Space and Planetary Science
[SDU]Sciences of the Universe [physics]
Martian surface
0103 physical sciences
Physics::Space Physics
Radio occultation
lcsh:Meteorology. Climatology
Astrophysics::Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
Ionosphere
010303 astronomy & astrophysics
Geology
0105 earth and related environmental sciences
Remote sensing
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 21157251
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Journal of Space Weather and Space Climate, Journal of Space Weather and Space Climate, EDP sciences, 2019, 9, pp.A36. ⟨10.1051/swsc/2019035⟩, Journal of Space Weather and Space Climate, Vol 9, p A36 (2019), Journal of Space Weather and Space Climate, 2019, 9, pp.A36. ⟨10.1051/swsc/2019035⟩, Journal of Space Weather and Space Climate, Vol. 9, p. A36 (2019)
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....68b8ac8cf66f8ac1ed33109f860795b7
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1051/swsc/2019035⟩