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Fig. 6 | Earth, Planets and Space

Fig. 6

From: Recovery and validation of Mars ionospheric electron density profiles from Mariner 9

Fig. 6

Five electron density profiles from the primary mission. Orbit numbers are given above each profile. Electron densities in the profiles from orbits 3, 20, 42, 62, and 76 have been multiplied by factors of 100, 101, 102, 103, and 104, respectively, for clarity. Squares at electron densities of 1500 cm −3 indicate the altitude at which electron densities first drop below this value, the top of the ionosphere. Associated vertical lines emphasize the steady decrease in this altitude over time during the primary mission. Crosses indicate the main peak of the ionosphere, which drops in altitude over this period by a much smaller amount

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