Journal article
The Twisted Configuration of the Martian Magnetotail: MAVEN Observations
Geophysical research letters, Vol.45(10), pp.4559-4568
05/28/2018
DOI: 10.1029/2018GL077251
Abstract
Measurements provided by the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft are analyzed to investigate the Martian magnetotail configuration as a function of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) BY. We find that the magnetotail lobes exhibit a ~45° twist, either clockwise or counterclockwise from the ecliptic plane, up to a few Mars radii downstream. Moreover, the associated cross‐tail current sheet is rotated away from the expected location for a Venus‐like induced magnetotail based on nominal IMF draping. Data‐model comparisons using magnetohydrodynamic simulations are in good agreement with the observed tail twist. Model field line tracings indicate that a majority of the twisted tail lobes are composed of open field lines, surrounded by draped IMF. We infer that dayside magnetic reconnection between the crustal fields and draped IMF creates these open fields and may be responsible for the twisted tail configuration, similar to what is observed at Earth.
Plain Language Summary
This study investigates the magnetic environment of Mars in order to understand how its structure is different from that of other planets. In the past, it was thought that the Sun's magnetic field interacts with Mars in a similar way to a comet or Venus. This would imply that the magnetic field geometry could be easily predicted; however, recent investigations have found that this is not the case. This work includes both simulation and MAVEN data to determine that the magnetic environment of Mars is much different than this original picture. The conclusions find that these fields are twisted from their expected geometry, suggesting a difference in the interaction between Mars and the Sun. Because atmospheric particles are able to travel along these magnetic fields, this unique geometry may have great implications for atmospheric loss at Mars.
Key Points
MAVEN data and simulations confirm that a twisted field configuration is present in the Martian magnetotail that is highly dependent on IMF BY
Open fields, likely created by magnetic reconnection between Mars crustal fields and the IMF, occupy a majority of the twisted tail lobes
Comparisons with Earth suggest that the dipolar component of Mars' crustal fields play a crucial role in altering the magnetotail structure
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The Twisted Configuration of the Martian Magnetotail: MAVEN Observations
- Creators
- Gina A DiBraccio - Goddard Space Flight CenterJanet G Luhmann - University of California, BerkeleyShannon M Curry - University of California, BerkeleyJared R Espley - Goddard Space Flight CenterShaosui Xu - University of California, BerkeleyDavid L Mitchell - University of California, BerkeleyYingjuan Ma - University of California, Los AngelesChuanfei Dong - Princeton Plasma Physics LaboratoryJacob R Gruesbeck - University of Maryland, College ParkJohn E. P Connerney - Goddard Space Flight CenterYuki Harada - University of IowaSuranga Ruhunusiri - University of IowaJasper S Halekas - University of IowaYasir Soobiah - University of MarylandTakuya Hara - University of California, BerkeleyDavid A Brain - University of Colorado BoulderBruce M Jakosky - University of Colorado Boulder
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Geophysical research letters, Vol.45(10), pp.4559-4568
- DOI
- 10.1029/2018GL077251
- ISSN
- 0094-8276
- eISSN
- 1944-8007
- Number of pages
- 10
- Grant note
- NASA
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 05/28/2018
- Academic Unit
- Physics and Astronomy
- Record Identifier
- 9984199736602771
Metrics
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