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The effect of the solar cycle on the maintenance of the nightside ionosphere of VenusThe behavior of the Venus nightside ionosphere at solar maximum and solar minimum is discussed based on Pioneer Venus radio occultation measurements. Although some solar maximum measurements are similar to those observed at minimum, which have an average peak density of about 7000/cu cm, others show much higher peak densities, reaching values of about 40,000/cu cm. These elevated peak densities also occur at higher altitudes. The integrated electron column densities for these measurements indicate the presence of substantial ionization above the main peak. The magnitudes of both the peak density and the integrated content above the peak are anticorrelated with the solar wind dynamic pressure, indicating that these enhancements during solar maximum are due to transterminator transport of O(+) ions from the dayside. The resulting ionization peak can be many times the concentration produced by energetic electron fluxes impacting the neutral atmosphere on the nightside.
Document ID
19910060857
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Kliore, Arvydas J.
(JPL Pasadena, CA, United States)
Luhmann, Janet G.
(California, University Los Angeles, United States)
Zhang, Martina H. G.
(Oesterreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften Institut fuer Weltraumforschung, Graz, Austria)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 96
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
91A45480
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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