The Solar Wind Interaction With the Martian Ionosphere/Atmosphere |
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Authors: | Stephen H Brecht Stephen A Ledvina |
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Institution: | (1) Bay Area Research Corporation, P.O. Box 366, Orinda, CA 94563, USA;(2) Space Sciences Lab., Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA, USA |
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Abstract: | The interaction of the solar wind with the Martian exosphere and ionosphere leads to significant loss of atmosphere from the
planet. Spacecraft data confirm that this is the case. However, the issue is how much is actually lost. Given that spacecraft
coverage is sparse, simulation is one of the few ways for these estimates to be made. In this paper the evolution of our attempts
to place bounds on this loss rate will be addressed. Using a hybrid particle code the loss rate with respect to solar EUV
flux is addressed as well as a variety of numerical and chemical issues. The progress made has been of an evolutionary nature,
with one approach tried and tested followed by another as the simulations are improved and better estimates are produced.
The results to be reported suggest that the ion loss rates are high enough to explain the loss of water from Mars during earlier
solar epochs. |
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Keywords: | hybrid simulations Martian ionosphere loss solar wind interaction with Mars |
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