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Magnetic field and plasma wave observations in a plasma cloud at VenusPioneer Venus magnetic field and plasma wave data are examined in a particularly clear example of a plasma cloud above the Venus ionosphere. The magnetic configuration is suggestive of acceleration of the plasma cloud by magnetic tension. If the plasma is at rest at the subsolar point, it could be accelerated to approximately 90 km/sec by the observed stress at the location of the measurement. This far exceeds the escape velocity and suggests that plasma clouds do form a significant loss mechanism for the Venus ionosphere but does not necessarily indicate that the plasma cloud is detached from the ionosphere proper. The plasma cloud is accompanied by strong plasma wave activity and is significantly hotter than the ionospheric plasma encountered later on the same pass. A loss rate of the order of 2 x 10 to the 25th ions/sec is estimated during this event. The geometry suggested by these observations is one of a ridge of dense cold plasma starting in the subsolar regions and flowing over the poles of the planet. Thus, these plasma clouds may be the planetary analog of cometary tail rays.
Document ID
19820036821
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Russell, C. T.
(California Univ. Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Luhmann, J. G.
(California Univ. Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Elphic, R. C.
(California, University Los Angeles, CA, United States)
Scarf, F. L.
(TRW Defense and Space Systems Group Redondo Beach, CA, United States)
Brace, L. H.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1982
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters
Volume: 9
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
82A20356
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS2-9491
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS2-9842
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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