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Detailed Reference Information |
Verigin, M.I., Gringauz, K.I., Shutte, N.M., Haider, S.A., Szego, K., Kiraly, P., Nagy, A.F. and Gombosi, T.I. (1991). On the possible source of the ionization in the nighttime Martian ionosphere: 1. Phobos 2 Harp Electron Spectrometer measurements. Journal of Geophysical Research 96: doi: 10.1029/91JA00924. issn: 0148-0227. |
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The measurements of electron spectra in the Martian magnetosphere by the HARP instrument on board the Phobos 2 orbiter are presented. The energy of the electron (a few tens of electron volts) is sufficient for the impact ionization of the planetary neutral gas, and the characteristic flux of electrons (~108 cm-2 s-1) could produce the nightside ionospheric layer with a peak density of a few thousands of electrons per cubic centimeter, which corresponds to densities observed earlier during radio occultations of the Mars 4 and 5 and Viking 1 and 2 spacecraft. The possibility of magnetospheric electron precipitation into the nightside atmosphere of Mars is in agreement with the mainly induced nature of the magnetic field in the planetary magnetotail (as at Venus), while the variability of the Martian nightside ionosphere may be explained by the partial screening of the atmosphere by a weak intrinsic magnetic field of the planet. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1991 |
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Abstract |
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Keywords
Ionosphere, Ionization mechanisms, Ionosphere, Particle precipitation, Ionosphere, Planetary ionospheres, Planetology, Comets and Small Bodies, Interactions with solar wind plasma and fields |
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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 |
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