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An electrodynamic model of the solar wind interaction with the ionospheres of Mars and VenusThe electrodynamic model for the solar wind interaction with nonmagnetic planets modified to include the effects of nonohmic currents in the upper ionosphere is examined. The model is used to calculate convection patterns induced by the solar wind in the ionospheres of Mars and Venus, with the observations of the neutral mass spectrometer of Vikings 1 and 2 providing the neutral atmosphere for Mars. Model calculations reproduced the retarding potential analyzer data and indicate that the ionosphere above 200 km is probably controlled by convection rather than chemistry or diffusion. The resulting model calculations were compared to radio occultation data from Mariners 5 and 10 and Venera 9 which represent extremes in the variability of the upper Cytherean ionosphere, and the calculations fell within this variation.
Document ID
19790061534
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Cloutier, P. A.
(Rice Univ. Houston, TX, United States)
Daniell, R. E., Jr.
(Rice University Houston, Tex., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1979
Publication Information
Publication: Planetary and Space Science
Volume: 27
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
79A45547
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS5-23338
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF DES-74-19668
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-77-12996
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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