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Flux transfer events at MercuryAn examination of high-resolution Mariner 10 magnetic measurements in the vicinity of the Mercury magnetopause for the three available crossings at high resolution reveals the signatures of what have been called flux transfer events (FTE). These events occur both in the magnetosheath and in the magnetosphere. They last about 1 s and hence have a dimension of about 400 km, or about 5 percent of the width of the Mercury magnetosphere. This relative dimension is similar to that observed at earth, but the repetition rate is about an order of magnitude faster at Mercury. The net amount of flux transfer is much less than that at the earth. It is estimated that less than 1 percent of the available solar wind potential drop is appliefd by FTEs to the magnetosphere of Mercury. Evidence for 'steady state' reconnection is also observed which may apply a potential drop from 5 to 25 kV across the Mercury magnetopause. The magnetopause itself appears to be about 500 km thick. The shape of the magnetopause at the crossing locations can be approximated with a simple rotatinally symmetric conic section, with its focus at the center of the planet and an eccentricity of 0.8.
Document ID
19860030366
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Russell, C. T.
(California Univ. Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Walker, R. J.
(California, University Los Angeles, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 90
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
86A15104
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS5-28448
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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