Mars in the solar wind

Abstract

Recent spacecraft observations and model calculations of the solar wind interaction (SWI) at Mars have shown that the particle pressure is not large enough to stand off the solar wind unless the electron temperature is 4 times the ion temperature in the ionosphere, but the additional pressure is presumably magnetic, provided by a planetary magnetic field. In addition, a planetary field corresponding to a surface field of about 20 gammas, and a dipole moment of about 8 x 10 to the 21st gauss per cu cm are implied. Calculations indicate that 60-70% of the pressure is supplied by the magnetic field, and 30-40% by the ionosphere. Thus, the SWI at Mars is unique, being an interaction both with the atmosphere and with the planetary magnetic field.