| 1. |
- Hall, B. E. S., et al.
(författare)
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A survey of superthermal electron flux depressions, or "electron holes," within the illuminated Martian induced magnetosphere
- 2016
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Ingår i: Journal of Geophysical Research - Space Physics. - 2169-9380 .- 2169-9402. ; 121:5, s. 4835-4857
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Since Mars lacks a global intrinsic magnetic field, the solar wind interacts directly with the Martian upper atmosphere and ionosphere. The presence of localized intense remnant crustal magnetic fields adds to this interaction, making the Martian plasma system a unique environment within the solar system. Rapid reductions in the electron flux, referred to as electron holes, occur within the Martian induced magnetosphere (IM). We present a statistical analysis of this phenomenon identified from proxy measurements of the electron flux derived from measurements by the Analyser of Space Plasmas and Energetic Neutral Atoms Electron Spectrometer experiment on board the Mars Express (MEX) spacecraft. The study is completed for the period of 9 February 2004 to 9 May 2014. Electron holes are observed within the IM in more than 56% of MEX orbits during this study period, occurring predominantly at altitudes less than 1300km, with the majority in the negative X Mars-Centric Solar Orbital direction. The spatial distribution above the surface of Mars is observed to bear close resemblance to that of the crustal magnetic fields as predicted by the Cain et al. [] magnetic field model, suggesting that they play an important role in the formation of these phenomena.
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| 2. |
- Dubinin, E., et al.
(författare)
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Martian ionosphere observed by Mars Express. 1. Influence of the crustal magnetic fields
- 2016
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Ingår i: Planetary and Space Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 0032-0633 .- 1873-5088. ; 124, s. 62-75
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We present multi-instrument observations of the effects of the crustal magnetic field on the Martian ionosphere at different altitudes and solar zenith angles by Mars Express. Total electron content (TEC) at solar zenith angles 55 degrees >= SZA >= 105 degrees over the ionosphere with crustal sources increases with the strength of the magnetic field. A similar trend is observed in a dependence of the local electron density in the upper ionosphere on the crustal magnetic field. On the nightside, at SZA >= 110 degrees, the opposite trend of TEC increase with decrease in the magnetic field value is observed. A dependence on the magnetic field inclination also varies between the day and night sides. TEC decreases for vertical field inclination at 90 degrees >= SZA >= 70 degrees and increases at SZA >= 110 degrees. This effect becomes stronger for larger magnetic field values. A different dependence of the local electron densities in the upper ionosphere at small and high SZA is observed too. An ionospheric exhaust for vertical field inclination in the regions with strong crustal sources is probably caused by escape to space along open field lines which arise due to reconnection that is confirmed by the case studies. The existence of such localized ionospheric depressions is also observed by the in-situ plasma observations. In contrast, on the nightside downward plasma transport and electron precipitation along the field lines produce patches of enhanced ionization.
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