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Title: Comet-like interaction of Venus with the solar wind III the atomic oxygen corona

Journal Article · · Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States)

Suprathermal atomic oxygen constituting an extensive exospheric corona give rise to new heavy ions within the solar plasma flowing around Venus. Because their gyro-radii are large compared with transverse scales, the 0/sup +/ ions do not simply effect a drag due to 'mass loading' of the flow. Some precipitate into the ionosphere and provide a novel ion source. Also, the back-reaction on the flow not only decelerates it, but also deviates it laterally and essentially asymmetrically about the planet.

Research Organization:
Dept. Applied Maths and Astronomy, University College, Cardiff CF1 1XL, United Kingdom
OSTI ID:
5044728
Journal Information:
Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States), Vol. 9:4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English