Mass-loading and diffusion-loss rates of the IO plasma torus

Journal Article · Mon Dec 15 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/158557· OSTI ID:6536456

Shemansky, D E

Limits to the mass-loading and diffusion-loss rates of ions in the Io plasma torus bave been calculated on the assumption that observed optical emissions are controlled by electron-ion collisions. Calculations of the yield of emission from the vicinity of Io limit the mass-loading rate to the order of 10/sup 27/ s/sup -1/ for S II or O II, on the grounds that electron-excited emissions associated with dependent on the assumptions that Io is the source of torus particles and that most of the neutral atoms are converted to ions within 1 R/sub J/ of Io. According to the calculations presented below, the observed partitioning of sulfur ion species in the hot torus at the time of Voyager 1 encounter indicates that the diffusion-loss time of the ions is of the order of 1/D = 100 days. The two results limiting the mass-loading and diffusion-loss rates are compatible and suggest that the energy required to maintain the observed radiated power cannot be supplied by accelerations of ion formed at Io at Jupiter's rotating magnetic field.

• Research Organization: Space Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, Tucson Laboratories
• OSTI ID: 6536456
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 242:3; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640107* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Planetary Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ATMOSPHERES
CHARGED PARTICLES
COLLISIONS
DIFFUSION
ELECTRON COLLISIONS
ELECTRON-ION COLLISIONS
EMISSION
FUNCTIONS
ION COLLISIONS
IONIZATION
IONS
JUPITER PLANET
MAGNETIC FIELDS
NUCLEAR REACTIONS
PARTITION FUNCTIONS
PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES
PLANETARY MAGNETOSPHERES
PLANETS
PLASMA
SPACE VEHICLES
VEHICLES
VOYAGER SPACE PROBES