Journal article
Magnetotail dynamics at Mars: Initial MAVEN observations
Geophysical research letters, Vol.42(21), pp.8828-8837
11/16/2015
DOI: 10.1002/2015GL065248
Abstract
We report on the complex nature of the induced Martian magnetotail using simultaneous magnetic field and plasma measurements from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft. Two case studies are analyzed from which we identify (1) repetitive loading and unloading of tail magnetic flux as the field magnitude changes dramatically, exhibiting signatures similar to substorm activity within intrinsic magnetospheres; (2) multiple current sheet crossings indicative of plasma sheet flapping; (3) tailward flowing high-energy planetary ions (O+ and O-2(+)), confined exclusively to the cross-tail current sheet, contributing to atmospheric escape; and (4) signatures of magnetic flux ropes, suggesting the occurrence of tail reconnection. These events illustrate the complexity of the Martian magnetotail as MAVEN provides key observations relevant to the unanswered questions of induced magnetosphere dynamics.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Magnetotail dynamics at Mars: Initial MAVEN observations
- Creators
- Gina A. DiBraccio - Goddard Space Flight CenterJared. R. Espley - Goddard Space Flight CenterJacob R. Gruesbeck - University of Maryland, College ParkJohn E. P. Connerney - Goddard Space Flight CenterDavid A. Brain - University of Colorado BoulderJasper S. Halekas - University of IowaDavid L. Mitchell - Univ Calif Berkeley, Space Sci Lab, Berkeley, CA 94720 USAJames P. McFadden - University of California, BerkeleyYuki Harada - University of California, BerkeleyRoberto Livi - University of California, BerkeleyGlyn Collinson - Goddard Space Flight CenterTakuya Hara - University of California, BerkeleyChristian Mazelle - Research Institute in Astrophysics and PlanetologyBruce M. Jakosky - University of Colorado Boulder
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Geophysical research letters, Vol.42(21), pp.8828-8837
- Publisher
- Amer Geophysical Union
- DOI
- 10.1002/2015GL065248
- ISSN
- 0094-8276
- eISSN
- 1944-8007
- Number of pages
- 10
- Grant note
- NASA; National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA)
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 11/16/2015
- Academic Unit
- Physics and Astronomy
- Record Identifier
- 9984428680202771
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