Two-dimensional model of the ionosphere of Venus - thermal structure

Journal Article · Fri Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986 · Icarus; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0019-1035(86)90112-0· OSTI ID:6961179

Singhal, R P; Whitten, R C

A spectral model is defined for the electron and ion temperature profiles of the Venus ionosphere. The model is developed using data collected with the retarding potential analyzer on the Pioneer Venus Orbiter, and account is taken of horizontal bulk heat transport and a heat flux saturation effect. Coupled ion and energy equations and thermal flux equations are defined. A finite difference algorithm is applied to solve the equations, assuming an ionopause at 740 km altitude. Horizontal plasma flow velocities of 2.5-5.6 km/sec are found necessary in order to account for a dip in the ion temperature around the terminator and a sharp rise at about 140 deg, i.e., far past the solar zenith angle. An external heat source of 0.0001-0.0002 ergs/sq cm per sec, uniformly distributed around Venus, is required to maintain observed dayside and nightside ion temperatures. The heat source may be the solar wind, which would be sufficient without shocks. 25 references.

• Research Organization: NASA, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
• OSTI ID: 6961179
• Journal Information: Icarus; (United States), Journal Name: Icarus; (United States) Vol. 67; ISSN ICRSA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640107* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Planetary Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ELECTRON TEMPERATURE
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
ION TEMPERATURE
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MECHANICS
PIONEER SPACE PROBES
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
PLANETS
SOLAR ACTIVITY
SOLAR WIND
SPACE VEHICLES
VEHICLES
VENUS PLANET