The magnetosphere of MercuryData on Mercury's magnetosphere and on the plasma, planetomagnetic, and energetic particle environment of the planet obtained in three encounters (Mariner 10 flybys) are compared, and tasks for future research are outlined. The Mercury bow shock and magnetopause are much closer to the planet than the earth counterparts are to the earth. The magnetotail with embedded plasma sheet-field reversal region, global deflection of the solar wind by an intrinsic dipolar magnetic field, variations in solar wind momentum flux, and absence of such features as ionosphere, plasmasphere, and radiation belts, are described. Energetic electrons are accelerated in the magnetotail, however, and the interplanetary magnetic field variations distort Mercury's magnetosphere to produce a southward field associated with substorm-like disturbances.
Document ID
19770061405
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Ness, N. F. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Laboratory for Extraterrestrial Physics, Greenbelt, Md., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1976
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Symposium on Solar-Terrestrial Physics