Plasma observations of the solar wind interaction with Mars

Conference · Thu Aug 30 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States)

OSTI ID:5445145

Vaisberg, O L ^[1]; Luhmann, J G; Russell, C T ^[2]

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1. Space Research Institute, Moscow (USSR)
2. Univ. of California, Los Angeles (USA)

Measurements with the plasma analyzers on the Mars-2, 3 and 5 spacecraft show that Mars deflects a large fraction of the incoming solar wind flow to form a strong bow shock. The bow shock is about 1.41 Rm from the center of the planet at the subsolar point and about 2.40 Rm at the terminator. These distances are similar to those for Venus at times of moderate solar activity. The inferred effective obstacle altitude is about 400-700 km. An ion cushion has been found which is similar in its properties to the Venus magnetic barrier. The formation of this cushion appears to cause the deflection of the solar wind. Inside the cushion but well above the ionosphere is found a region where the ions are at the background, the electrons are cool and the magnetic pressure dominates. This region may resemble a planetary magnetosphere.

• OSTI ID: 5445145
• Report Number(s): CONF-9001119--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States) Journal Volume: 95:B9
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640107* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Planetary Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ATMOSPHERES
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
EVALUATION
INTERACTIONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MARS PLANET
PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES
PLANETS
PLASMA
SATELLITES
SHOCK WAVES
SOLAR ACTIVITY
SOLAR WIND
VENUS PLANET