The root of a comet tail : Rosetta ion observations at comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko

• Context.The first 1000 km of the ion tail of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko were explored by the EuropeanRosettaspacecraft,2.7 au away from the Sun.Aims.We characterised the dynamics of both the solar wind and the cometary ions on the night-side of the comet’s atmosphere.Methods.We analysed in situ ion and magnetic field measurements and compared the data to a semi-analytical model.Results.The cometary ions are observed flowing close to radially away from the nucleus during the entire excursion. The solar windis deflected by its interaction with the new-born cometary ions. Two concentric regions appear, an inner region dominated by theexpanding cometary ions and an outer region dominated by the solar wind particles.Conclusions.The single night-side excursion operated byRosettarevealed that the near radial flow of the cometary ions can beexplained by the combined action of three different electric field components, resulting from the ion motion, the electron pressuregradients, and the magnetic field draping. The observed solar wind deflection is governed mostly by the motional electric field−uion×B.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik -- Fusion, plasma och rymdfysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences -- Fusion, Plasma and Space Physics (hsv//eng)

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Rymd- och flygteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Aerospace Engineering (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Atmosfärsvetenskap

Atmospheric science

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)