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Model calculations of the planetary ion distribution in the Martian tail
Earth, Planets and Space volume 50, pages445–452(1998)
Abstract
Based on a recent model of the Martian atmosphere/exosphere and a model of the magnetic field and solar wind flow around Mars, the distribution of different planetary ion species in the near tail is calculated. Three main regions are identified: 1) “clouds” of pickup ions with distinct mass separation travel along cycloidal trajectories; 2) another group of ions forms a distinct plasma mantle in the magnetosphere; 3) a third population fills up the plasma sheet. Further, the energy of ions in different locations is also analyzed. Finally, comparison of observations made onboard the Phobos-2 spacecraft shows a reasonable agreement with simulation results.
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Lichtenegger, H., Dubinin, E. Model calculations of the planetary ion distribution in the Martian tail. Earth Planet Sp 50, 445–452 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1186/BF03352132
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Keywords
- Solar Wind
- Interplanetary Magnetic Field
- Plasma Sheet
- Solar Wind Flow
- Ambipolar Electric Field
