Journal article
Martian magnetic storms
Journal of geophysical research. Space physics, Vol.122(6), pp.6185-6209
06/2017
DOI: 10.1002/2016JA023513
Abstract
The response of Mars to the major space weather events called interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) is of interest for both general planetary solar wind interaction studies and related speculations on their evolutionary consequences—especially with respect to atmosphere escape. Various particle and field signatures of ICMEs have been observed on Phobos‐2, Mars Global Surveyor (MGS), Mars Express (MEX), and now Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN). Of these, MAVEN's combined instrumentation and orbit geometry is particularly well suited to characterize both the event drivers and their consequences. However, MAVEN has detected only moderate disturbances at Mars due in large part to the general weakness of the present solar cycle. Nevertheless, the strongest event observed by MAVEN in March 2015 provides an example illustrating how further insights can be gained from available models. Here we first look more closely at what previously run BATS‐R‐US MHD simulations of the combined MAVEN observations tell us about the March 2015 event consequences. We then use analogous models to infer those same responses, including magnetic field topology changes and ionospheric consequences, to a hypothetical extreme ICME at Mars based on STEREO A measurements in July 2012. The results suggest how greatly enhanced, yet realistic, solar wind pressure, magnetic field, and convection electric field combine to produce strong magnetospheric coupling with important consequences for upper atmosphere and ionosphere energization.
Key Points
Mars has space weather storms analogous to geomagnetic storms, caused by ICMEs
The character of these storms is unique because of the Mars‐solar wind obstacle nature
Models suggest what could happen at Mars under more extreme conditions
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Martian magnetic storms
- Creators
- J. G Luhmann - University of California, BerkeleyJ Halekas - University of IowaC. F Dong - Princeton UniversityY Li - University of California, BerkeleyY. J Ma - University of California, Los AngelesS. M Curry - University of California, BerkeleyS Xu - University of California, BerkeleyC. O Lee - University of California, BerkeleyT Hara - University of California, BerkeleyJ. R Gruesbeck - Goddard Space Flight CenterJ Espley - Goddard Space Flight CenterD. A Brain - University of Colorado BoulderC. T Russell - University of California, Los AngelesB. M Jakosky - University of Colorado Boulder
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of geophysical research. Space physics, Vol.122(6), pp.6185-6209
- DOI
- 10.1002/2016JA023513
- ISSN
- 2169-9380
- eISSN
- 2169-9402
- Number of pages
- 25
- Grant note
- NASA NASA Living With a Star Jack Eddy Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 06/2017
- Academic Unit
- Physics and Astronomy
- Record Identifier
- 9984199776502771
Metrics
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