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A post-Pioneer Venus reassessment of the Martian dayside ionosphere as observed by radio occultation methodsGlobal characteristics of the dayside ionosphere of Mars were investigated by reanalyzing the electron-density dayside altitude profiles obtained by Mariners 4, 6, 7, and 9 and the Viking 1 and 2. The properties of both the electron density peaks and the topside profiles with the behavior expected for a Chapman layer in the Mars ionosphere were compared with those observed at Venus with the Pioneer Venus. The results yield an improved picture of the solar zenith angle dependences of both the peaks and the scale heights of the ionosphere of Mars, and their comparison with Venus at solar minimum. It is shown that, under similar conditions where the incident solar wind dynamic pressure exceeds the peak ionospheric thermal pressure, the Martian dayside ionosphere peaks at higher altitudes in the flanks and has a greater scale height. Thus, Martian and Venusian ionospheres would present different obstacles to solar wind.
Document ID
19900061748
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Zhang, M. H. G.
(Graz, Universitaet Austria)
Luhmann, J. G.
(California, University Los Angeles, United States)
Kliore, A. J.
(JPL Pasadena, CA, United States)
Kim, J.
(Michigan, University Ann Arbor, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
August 30, 1990
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 95
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
90A48803
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1347
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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