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Ion Measurements During Pioneer Venus Reentry: Implications for Solar Cycle Variation of Ion Composition and DynamicsDuring the final, low solar activity phase of the Pioneer Venus mission, the Orbiter Ion Mass Spectrometer measurements found all ion species, in the midnight-dusk sector, reduced in concentration relative to that observed at solar maximum. Molecular ion species comprised a greater part of the total ion concentration as O(+) and H(+) had the greatest depletions. The nightside ionospheric states were strikingly similar to the isolated solar maximum "disappearing" ionospheres. Both are very dynamic states characterized by a rapidly drifting plasma and 30-100 eV superthermal O(+) ions.
Document ID
19990038323
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Grebowsky, J. M.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Hartle, R. E.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Kar, J.
(National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council Greenbelt, MD United States)
Cloutier, P. A.
(Rice Univ. Houston, TX United States)
Taylor, H. A., Jr.
(Taylor Enterprises Beaver River, Nova Scotia Canada)
Brace, L. H.
(Michigan Univ. Ann Arbor, MI United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
December 14, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters. Selected Papers on Pioneer Venus Orbiter: Entry Phase
Volume: 20
Issue: 23
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Report/Patent Number
Paper 93GL02239
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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