Plasma diffusion into the wake of Venus

Abstract

A model of the diffusion of ionosheath plasma into the wake region of Venus is presented. It is shown that particle diffusion, which is assumed to be a consequence of the fluctuating magnetic field observed in the wake of Venus by Pioneer Venus and Veneras 9 and 10, can explain the plasma observations made in the wake by Veneras 9 and 10. The pressure due to these diffusing particles when balanced against the ionospheric pressure yield ionopause heights less than 1000 km for zenith angles less than about 135 deg. The model also predicts significant fluxes of low energy electrons and ions for zenith angles less than 135 deg, which are capable of producing the observed nightside ionosphere.