NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Jovian Plasma Torus Interaction with Europa: 3D Hybrid Kinetic Simulation. First resultsThe hybrid kinetic model supports comprehensive simulation of the interaction between different spatial and energetic elements of the Europa-moon-magnetosphere system with respect to variable upstream magnetic field and flux or density distributions of plasma and energetic ions, electrons, and neutral atoms. This capability is critical for improving the interpretation of the existing Europa flyby measurements from the Galileo orbiter mission, and for planning flyby and orbital measurements, (including the surface and atmospheric compositions) for future missions. The simulations are based on recent models of the atmosphere of Europa (Cassidy etal.,2007;Shematovichetal.,2005). In contrast to previous approaches with MHD simulations, the hybrid model allows us to fully take into account the finite gyro radius effect and electron pressure, and to correctly estimate the ion velocity distribution and the fluxes along the magnetic field (assuming an initial Maxwellian velocity distribution for upstream background ions).Non-thermal distributions of upstream plasma will be addressed in future work. Photoionization,electron-impact ionization, charge exchange and collisions between the ions and neutrals are also included in our model. We consider two models for background plasma:(a) with O(++) ions; (b) with O(++) and S(++) ions. The majority of O2 atmosphere is thermal with an extended cold population (Cassidyetal.,2007). A few first simulations already include an induced magnetic dipole; however, several important effects of induced magnetic fields arising from oceanic shell conductivity will be addressed in later work.
Document ID
20110013513
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Lipatov, A. S.
(Moscow Inst. of Physics and Technology Moscow, Russian Federation)
Cooper, J. F.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Paterson, W. R.
(Hampton Univ. VA, United States)
Sittler, E. C.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Hartle, R. E.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Simpson, D. G.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
June 20, 2010
Publication Information
Publication: Planetary and Space Science
Volume: 58
Subject Category
Geophysics
Report/Patent Number
GSFC.JA.4563.2011
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available