EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Hartle et al. 1975
Hartle, R.E., Curtis, S.A., Thomas, G.E. and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, a.f.P.A. (1975). Mercury’s helium exosphere. Journal of Geophysical Research 80: doi: 10.1029/JA080i025p03689. issn: 0148-0227.

A model He exosphere of Mercury is developed whose source derives from accretion of the small fraction of solar wind He++ that is captured by the magnetosphere and absorbed at the planetary surface. The model is based on a lunar analogy whereby the surface is saturaged in He. Surface and radial density distributions are derived, and the day side concentration is determined by requiring the limb intensity at 584 ¿ to equal the observed intensity. To maintain the He exosphere, we find that only the fraction 6.2¿10-4 of the solar wind He++ flux intercepted by the magnetosphere need be captured. This corresponds to a total accretion rate of 6.8¿1022 He++ s-1 at the surface, which also represents the upper limit to the total outgassing rate of He from the interior.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
http://www.agu.org/journals/jb/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit