On the search for an intrinsic magnetic field at VenusMagnetic field observations obtained by the Pioneer Venus orbiter at low altitude are now available for two sets of orbits in the Venus wake. Data from these 130 orbits are examined for possible surface correlated features or any intrinsic magnetic moment. No surface correlated magnetic fields are observed, but the threshold for the detectability of such fields at Venus is about an order of magnitude greater than at the moon. A surface feature of 10 deg extent would have to create an anomaly of at least 5 gammas at 200 km to be detected in the Pioneer Venus data. Using measurements averaged in 72 10 x 10 deg bins, a planetary magnetic dipole moment of 0.87 + or - 3.00 x 10 to the 21st gauss-cu cm is obtained. Thus the upper limit of the present day Venus moment is less than 4 x 10 to the -5th of the terrestrial moment.
Document ID
19820038827
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Russell, C. T. (California Univ. Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Elphic, R. C. (California Univ. Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Luhmann, J. G. (California Univ. Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Slavin, J. A. (California, University Los Angeles, CA, United States)