Basic theory and model calculations of the Venus ionosphereAn assessment is undertaken of current understanding of the physical and chemical processes that control Venus's ionospheric behavior, in view of the data that has been made available by the Venera and Pioneer Venus missions. Attention is given to the theoretical framework used in general planetary ionosphere studies, especially to the equations describing the controlling physical and chemical processes, and to the current status of the ion composition, density and thermal structure models developed to reproduce observed ionospheric behavior. No truly comprehensive and successful model of the nightside ionosphere has been published. Furthermore, although dayside energy balance calculations yield electron and ion temperature values that are in close agreement with measured values, the energetics of the night side eludes understanding.
Document ID
19830056207
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Nagy, A. F. (Michigan Univ. Ann Arbor, MI, United States)
Cravens, T. E. (Michigan Univ. Ann Arbor, MI, United States)
Gombosi, T. I. (Michigan, University Ann Arbor, MI, United States)