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Solar cycle effects on the structure of the electron density profiles in the dayside ionosphere of VenusResults are presented of observations from the changes in the electron density structure of the dayside ionosphere of Venus that were brought about by changing solar activity. The ionopause height is generally low for values of the solar zenith angle below about 50 deg regardless of the phase in the solar cycle. At solar maximum, and at times of intermediate solar activity, the ionopause height for solar zenith angles greater than about 50 deg is highly variable, ranging from a minimum of about 200 km to a maximum of more than 1000 km. At times of solar minimum the great majority of all ionopause heights for all solar zenith angles are uniformly low, lying between 200 and 300 km. It is argued that the compressed nature of the Venus atmosphere at solar minimum is produced by permeation of the ionosphere by the solar wind magnetic field, which occurs when the solar wind dynamic pressure exceeds the ionospheric plasma pressure.
Document ID
19920034402
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)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 96
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
92A17026
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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