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Outstanding problems in Mars aeronomyAlthough the Phobos-2 spacecraft recently obtained important results relevant to some of the major remaining questions in Mars aeronomy, much remains to be done. In particular, not since the Viking Landers have we made in-situ measurements of aeronomical quantities such as atmospheric and ionospheric densities and temperatures below 400 km altitude. We have never made magnetic field measurements at these altitudes. Without such measurements we cannot unambiguously resolve arguments concerning issues such as the significance of the planetary magnetic field in the solar wind interaction, or understand the atmospheric cycle that leads to escape to space. With the trio of future orbiters including Mars Observer, Mars-94, and Planet-B we should see a veritable explosion of new knowledge, but some gaps in aeronomical science coverage will still remain. This paper briefly reviews some of the major unsolved problems in Mars aeronomy, and points out which are expected to remain outstanding after this flotilla of missions.
Document ID
19950049199
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Luhmann, J. G.
(University of California, Los Angeles, CA US, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1995
Publication Information
Publication: Advances in Space Research
Volume: 15
Issue: 4
ISSN: 0273-1177
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
95A80798
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1347
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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