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On the possible source of the ionization in the nighttime Martian ionosphere. I - Phobos 2 HARP electron spectrometer measurementsThe measurements of electron spectra in the Martian magnetosphere by the HARP instrument on board the Phobos 2 orbiter are presented. The energy of the electrons (a few tens of electron volts) is sufficient for the impact ionization of the planetary neutral gas, and the characteristic flux of electrons (about 10 exp 8/sq cm per sec) could produce the nightside ionospheric layer with a peak density of a few thousands of electrons per cubic centimeter, which corresponds to densities observed earlier during radio occultations of the Mars 4 and 5 and Viking 1 and 2 spacecraft. The possibility of magnetospheric electron precipitation into the nightside atmosphere of Mars is in agreement with the mainly induced nature of the magnetic field in the planetary magnetotail (as at Venus), while the variability of the Martian nightside ionosphere may be explained by the partial screening of the atmosphere by a weak intrinsic magnetic field of the planet.
Document ID
19920029430
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Verigin, M. I.
(Institute of Space Research Moscow, Ussr)
Gringauz, K. I.
(Institute of Space Research Moscow, Ussr)
Shutte, N. M.
(Institute of Space Research Moscow, Ussr)
Haider, S. A.
(AN SSSR Institut Kosmicheskikh Issledovanii, Moscow, Ussr)
Szego, K.
(Institute of Space Research Moscow, Ussr)
Kiraly, P.
(Central Research Institute for Physics Budapest, Hungary)
Nagy, A. F.
(Institute of Space Research Moscow, Ussr)
Gombosi, T. I.
(Michigan, University Ann Arbor, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 96
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
92A12054
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-631
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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