Journal article
Detection of Zwan-Wolf effect in the ionosphere of Mars
Nature communications, Vol.17(1), 4224
05/18/2026
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-72251-9
PMCID: PMC13184130
PMID: 42151130
Abstract
At planets that possess strong dipole magnetic fields, the Zwan-Wolf effect acts to squeeze plasma along magnetic flux tubes, aiding in the deflection of the solar wind flow about the planet. While the effect has been most studied at Earth, candidate observations have also been made at the outer planets. Here we present observations of the Zwan-Wolf effect occurring at Mars, an unmagnetized planet that lacks a dipole magnetic field. Our analysis of observations made by NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN spacecraft suggest that while the Zwan-Wolf effect is likely continuously active within the Martian ionosphere, it operates below detection thresholds of typical plasma analyzers most of the time. However, an interplanetary coronal mass ejection impact at Mars in December 2023 greatly enhanced the Zwan-Wolf effect within the ionosphere, allowing it to be observed, and highlighting the importance of space weather events for these unmagnetized planetary systems.
At planets that possess strong dipole magnetic fields, charged particles can be squeezed along magnetic fields helping to deflect the solar wind flow about the planet. Here, the authors show this effect occurring in the ionosphere of Mars, a planet without a strong dipole magnetic field.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Detection of Zwan-Wolf effect in the ionosphere of Mars
- Creators
- Christopher M. Fowler - West Virginia UniversityKathleen G. Hanley - University of California, BerkeleyJames McFadden - University of California, BerkeleyDavid Mitchell - University of California, BerkeleyJasper Halekas - University of IowaLaila Andersson - Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space PhysicsDuncan Bark - Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space PhysicsYingjuan Ma - University of California, Los AngelesChristopher Chaston - University of California, BerkeleyBeatriz Sanchez-Cano - University of LeicesterMark Lester - University of LeicesterDavid Brain - Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space PhysicsChristian Mazelle - Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueJared Espley - Goddard Space Flight CenterMehdi Benna - Goddard Space Flight CenterRebecca Jolitz - University of California, BerkeleyRobin Ramstad - Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space PhysicsShannon Curry - Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Nature communications, Vol.17(1), 4224
- DOI
- 10.1038/s41467-026-72251-9
- PMID
- 42151130
- PMCID
- PMC13184130
- NLM abbreviation
- Nat Commun
- ISSN
- 2041-1723
- eISSN
- 2041-1723
- Publisher
- Nature Publishing Group UK
- Grant note
- NNH10CC04C / National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) (100000104)
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 05/18/2026
- Academic Unit
- Physics and Astronomy
- Record Identifier
- 9985164723502771
Metrics
4 Record Views