Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “PLANETARY MAGNETOSPHERES”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 271 records · Page 15
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Plasma Wave and Particle Dynamics During Interchange Events in the Jovian Magnetosphere Using Juno Observations

Abstract Interchange instability is known to drive fast radial transport of particles in Jupiter's inner magnetosphere. Magnetic flux tubes associated with the interchange instability often coincide with changes in particle distributions and plasma waves, but further investigations are required to understand their detailed characteristics. We analyze representative interchange events observed by Juno, which exhibit intriguing features of particle distributions and plasma waves, including Z‐mode and whistler‐mode waves. These events occurred at an equatorial radial distance of ∼9 Jovian radii on the nightside, with Z‐mode waves observed at mid‐latitude and whistler‐mode waves near the equator. We calculate the linear growth rate of whistler‐mode and Z‐mode waves based on the observed plasma parameters and electron distributions and find that both waves can be locally generated within the interchanged flux tube. Our findings are important for understanding particle transport and generation of plasma waves in the magnetospheres of Jupiter and other planetary systems.

Geology↗
NASA NTRS1983

Nuclear cascades in Saturn's rings - Cosmic ray albedo neutron decay and origins of trapped protons in the inner magnetosphere

The nearly equatorial trajectory of the Pioneer 11 spacecraft through Saturn's high energy proton radiation belts and under the main A-B-C rings provided a unique opportunity to study the radial dependence of the greater than 30 MeV proton intensities in the belts in terms of models for secondary nucleon production by cosmic ray interactions in the rings, in situ proton injection in the radiation belts by neutron beta decay, magnetospheric diffusion, and absorption by planetary rings and satellites. Maximum trapped proton intensities measured by Pioneer 11 in the radiation belts are compared with calculated intensities and found consistent with trapping times of roughly 40 years and a radial diffusion coefficient of about 10 to the -15th L to the 9th R sub s squared/s. Differential energy spectra proportional to E to the -2 estimated from integral measurements of trapped photons with E greater than 100 MeV are consistent with the beta decay model, but an inferred turndown of the spectra toward lower energies and reported integral proton anisotropies of a specified form both indicate the need for more realistic calculations of the neutron source from the rings and the radiation belt loss processes.

Cooper, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Mercury's Sodium Exosphere: Observations during the MESSENGER Orbital Phase

The MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft entered into orbit about Mercury on March 18,2011. We now have approximately five Mercury years of data from orbit. Prior to the MESSENGER mission, Mercury's surface-bounded exosphere was known to contain H, He, Na. K, and Ca. The Ultraviolet and Visible Spectrometer (UVVS) began routine orbital observations of both the dayside and nightside exosphere on March 29. 2011, measuring altitude profiles for all previously detected neutral species except for He and K. We focus here on what we have learned about the sodium exosphere: its spatial, seasonal, and sporadic variation. Observations to date permit delineation of the relative roles of photon-stimulated desorption (PSD) and impact vaporization (IV) from seasonal and spatial effects, as well as of the roles of ions both as sputtering agents and in their possible role to enhance the efficiency of PSD. Correlations of Mercury's neutral sodium exosphere with measurements from MESSENGER's Magnetometer (MAG) and Energetic Particle and Plasma Spectrometer (EPPS) provide insight into the roles of ions and electrons. Models incorporating MAG observations provide a basis for identifying the location and area of the surface exposed to solar wind plasma, and EPPS observations reveal episodic populations of energetic electrons in the magnetosphere and the presence of planetary He(+), 0(+), and Na(+),

Killen, Rosemary M.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Statistical Study of the Properties of Magnetosheath Lion Roars

Lion roars are narrowband whistler wave emissions that have been observed in several environments, such as planetary magnetosheaths, the Earth's magnetosphere, the solar wind, downstream of interplanetary shocks, and the cusp region. We present measurements of more than 30,000 such emissions observed by the Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft with high‐cadence (8,192 samples/s) search coil magnetometer data. A semiautomatic algorithm was used to identify the emissions, and an adaptive interval algorithm in conjunction with minimum variance analysis was used to determine their wave vector. The properties of the waves are determined in both the spacecraft and plasma rest frame. The mean wave normal angle, with respect to the background magnetic field (B(sub 0)), plasma bulk flow velocity (V(sub b)), and the coplanarity plane (V(sub b) × B(sub 0)) are 23°, 56°, and 0°, respectively. The average peak frequencies were ∼31% of the electron gyrofrequency (ω(sub ce)) observed in the spacecraft frame and ∼18% of ω(sub ce) in the plasma rest frame. In the spacecraft frame, ∼99% of the emissions had a frequency <ω(sub ce), while 98% had a peak frequency <0.72 ω(sub ce) in the plasma rest frame. None of the waves had frequencies lower than the lower hybrid frequency, ω. From the probability density function of the electron plasma β(sub e), the ratio between the electron thermal and magnetic pressure, ∼99.6% of the waves were observed with β(sub e)<4 with a large narrow peak at 0.07 and two smaller, but wider, peaks at 1.26 and 2.28, while the average value was ∼1.25.

Magnetosheath emissions↗
NASA NTRS1977

Magnetospheric magnetic field of Mercury

This paper presents a model for the magnetospheric magnetic field of Mercury in which the external field is represented by an image dipole and a tail field and the internal field includes a dipole, a quadrupole, and an octupole. The dipole moment estimated by this model is approximately 2.4 x 10 to the 22nd G cu cm, tilted 2.3 degrees from the normal to the planetary orbital plane and having the same directional sense as that of the earth. The dipole, quadrupole, and octupole moment intensities are in the approximate ratios 1:0.4:0.3, respectively. All planetary field lines of the model magnetosphere are confined to a magnetospherelike region. Results are obtained which show the geometry, field line configuration, and field isointensity contours inside the magnetosphere of Mercury.

Whang, Y. C.↗
NASA NTRS1991

The magnetic field and magnetospheric configuration of Uranus

A significant and unique planetary magnetic field discovered by Voyager 2 is presented. A large tilt of 58.6 deg of the magnetic-dipole axis from the rotation axis was found. Combined with a large offset of 0.3 RU of the magnetic dipole from the center of the planet, the moment of 0.23 gauss-RU3 leads to field magnitudes at the surface which vary widely between 0.1 and 1.0 gauss. A simple diagram illustrating the offset tilted dipole of Uranus and some field lines is shown. A more exact and accurate spherical-harmonic model of the planetary field, which includes both dipole and quadrupole moments, is derived. There exists a well-developed bipolar magnetic tail on the night side of the planet which rotates daily about the extended planet-sunline with Uranus because of the large obliquity of the Uranian rotation axis.

Ness, Norman F.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Magnetosphere of Saturn

Models of the Saturnian magnetosphere based on the application of magnetospheric scaling relations to a spin-aligned planetary magnetic dipole, that produces a surface equatorial field strength in the range 0.5 to 2 gauss, exhibit the following properties: (1) The orbit of Titan lies inside of the magnetosphere essentially all of the time, even when variations in the size of the magnetosphere resulting from solar wind pressure changes are taken into account; (2) the Brice-type planetary plasmasphere reaches a peak density of about 10 protons cm/3 at L approximately 7 (L = planetocentric distance in units of planetary radii); (3) Saturn's rings have a profound effect on the energetic particle population and the plasmaspheres derived from interstellar neutrals and Titan's torus; (4) the model calculation suggests that the Titan-derived plasmasphere may be self-amplifying with a feed-back factor greater than unity, which implies the possibility of a non-linearly saturated, highly inflated Saturnian magnetosphere; and (5) this same source can have important eroding effects on the outer edge of the rings determined by Brown-Lauzerotti sputtering rates.

Siscoe, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1979

On the determination of the Hermaean magnetic moment - A critical review

The determination of Mercury's magnetic moment from the spatially and temporally limited observations obtained by the Mariner 10 mission is dependent upon the assumed nature of both the intrinsic planetary magnetic field and that of the magnetospheric current systems. In this paper the methods that have been used for this purpose are reviewed. The results that have been obtained are then considered in comparison with the constraints placed on the planetary field by the solar wind dynamic pressures and stand-off distances inferred from the Mariner 10 magnetic field data by Slavin and Holtzer (1979) which are consistent with an effective dipole moment of 6 + or - 2 x 10 to the 22nd G cu cm. It is found that the models which fit the observations with substantial quadrupole and octupole moments are not consistent with the magnetospheric boundary conditions, presumably owing to incorrect assumptions regarding the magnetopause position, incorrect assumptions regarding solar wind dynamic pressure, and/or averaging over temporal variations in the Mariner 10 data.

Slavin, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The magnetic field of Jupiter

The paper is concerned mainly with the intrinsic planetary field which dominates the inner magnetosphere up to a distance of 10 to 12 Jovian radii where other phenomena, such as ring currents and diamagnetic effects of trapped charged particles, become significant. The main magnetic field of Jupiter as determined by in-situ observations by Pioner 10 and 11 is found to be relatively more complex than a simple offset tilted dipole. Deviations from a simple dipole geometry lead to distortions of the charged particle L shells and warping of the magnetic equator. Enhanced absorption effects associated with Io and Amalthea are predicted. The results are consistent with the conclusions derived from extensive radio observations at decimetric and decametric wavelengths for the planetary field.

Acuna, M. H.↗
NASA NTRS1981

The orientation and motion of the predawn current sheet and Jupiter's magnetotail

From the observed times when Pioneer 10 and Voyager 1 observe particle flux maxima and minima and when the magnetic field strength is at minimum a geometric description of the current sheet in Jupiter's magnetosphere is derived. It lags the planetary rotation by an angle delta which varies as a function of radial distance as delta equals 22 deg + 0.80 (r - 16.3). The maximum latitude of the current sheet is roughly 10 deg inside of 60 Jovian radii and decreases beyond. Thus there is a hinge point near 60 Jovian radii. The position of the hinge point moves in response to the external solar wind pressure variation. The variation of delta(r) is discussed theoretically and how it is related to the magnetic field topology and plasma flow is shown. It is concluded that the distant field lines do not corotate with Jupiter and that the Alfven speed at 50 Jovian radii is of the order of 1500 km/s. The topology of the current sheet is affected by centrifugal forces, outward mass transport and solar wind-magnetosphere interaction. It is shown how these effects can be related to different current systems.

Goertz, C. K.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Inhibition of solar wind impingement on Mercury by planetary induction currents

Analytic methods are developed for taking into account finite planetary conductivity in modeling departures from equilibrium of a magnetospheric boundary caused by solar wind stagnation pressure variations. Using the lowest suggested value of the planetary dipole moment (2.4 x 10 to the 22nd G cu cm), it is estimated that a minimum pressure of about 38 P sub 0 (where P sub 0 is the external stagnation pressure in the steady state) is required to force the standoff distance down to the subsolar surface of Mercury if the pressure change persists for at least 1 day. This value is 4.3 times that which would be predicted if Mercury had no core, and it is larger than the maximum pressure predicted at Mercury's orbit (about 25 P sub 0) on the basis of hourly averaged solar wind statistics at 1 AU.

Hood, L. L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

A three dimensional gasdynamic model for solar wind flow past nonaxisymmetric magnetospheres - Application to Jupiter and Saturn

The gasdynamic convected magnetic field model of Spreiter et al. (1966) and Spreiter and Stahara (1985) for predicting solar wind flow past a planetary magnetoionopause obstacle is extended to three dimensions and applied to Jupiter and Saturn, in which the effects of rapid spin, large size, and ring current phenomena are believed to result in broadening of their magnetospheres near the planetary equatorial plane. The computational procedures of the model are described, and the calculated results are presented for a number of magnetospheres of elliptic cross sections with values ranging from 1 to 2 for the ratio a/b between the major (equatorial) and minor (polar) axes. For Jupiter, the results indicate a broadening to a/b of about 1.754, a value consistent with previous estimates determined from independent calculations. For Saturn, a smaller broadening to a/b of about 1.25 is indicated.

Stahara, S. S.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Surface charging and x-ray emission from insulator surfaces induced by collisions with highly charged ions : relevance to cometary and planetary sp

Characteristic X-ray emission lines are detected from simulants of comet surfaces as they undergo collisions with highly charged ions (HCIs). The HCI projectiles are O+2-O+7. Ion energies are varied in the range (2-7)q keV, where q is the ion charge state. The targets are the insulator minerals olivine, augite, and quartz. It is found that the emission of characteristic K-L, K-M X-rays appears to proceed during positive charging of the surface by the HCI beam. When one uses low-energy, flood-gun electrons to neutralize the surface charge, the X-ray emission is eliminated or greatly reduced, depending on the flood-gun current. Acceleration of background electrons onto the charged surface results in excitation of elemental transitions, including the K-L2 and K-L3 target X-ray emission lines of Mg and Si located spectroscopically at 1253.6 and 1739.4 eV, respectively. Also observed are emission lines from O, Na, Ca, Al, and Fe atoms in the target and charge-exchange lines via surface extraction of electrons by the O+q electric field. Good agreement is found in the ratio of the measured X-ray yields for Mg and Si relative to the ratio of their electron-impact K-shell ionization cross sections. The present study may serve as a guide to astronomers as to specific observing X-ray energies indicative of solar/stellar wind or magnetospheric ion interactions with a comet, planetary surface, or circumstellar dust.

comets↗
DOE OSTI2016

EXTRASOLAR GIANT MAGNETOSPHERIC RESPONSE TO STEADY-STATE STELLAR WIND PRESSURE AT 10, 5, 1, AND 0.2 au

A three-dimensional, multifluid simulation of a giant planet’s magnetospheric interaction with steady-state stellar wind from a Sun-like star was performed for four different orbital semimajor axes—10, 5, 1, and 0.2 au. We simulate the effect of the increasing, steady-state stellar wind pressure related to the planetary orbital semimajor axis on the global magnetospheric dynamics for a Saturn-like planet, including an Enceladus-like plasma torus. Mass-loss processes are shown to vary with orbital distance, with the centrifugal interchange instability displayed only in the 10 and 5 au cases, which reach a state of mass-loss equilibrium more slowly than the 1 or 0.2 au cases. The compression of the magnetosphere in the 1 and 0.2 au cases contributes to the quenching of the interchange process by increasing the ratio of total plasma thermal energy to corotational energy. The strength of field-aligned currents, associated with auroral radio emissions, is shown to increase in magnitude and latitudinal coverage with a corresponding shift equatorward from increased dynamic ram pressure experienced in the hotter orbits. Similar to observed hot Jovian planets, the warm exo-Saturn simulated in the current work shows enhanced ion density in the magnetosheath and magnetopause regions, as well as the plasma torus, which could contribute to altered transit signals, suggesting that for planets in warmer (>0.1 au) orbits, planetary magnetic field strengths and possibly exomoons—via the plasma torus—could be observable with future missions.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1974

Centrifugal instability of the Jovian magnetosphere and its interaction with the solar wind

The outer regions (r greater than 2.3 Jupiter radii) of the magnetosphere of Jupiter will systematically accumulate plasma. If sufficient plasma accumulates, the field lines must open to allow the plasma to escape. Available energy sources appear able to supply plasma at a high enough rate to keep the field lines constantly open beyond about 60 Jupiter radii. It is suggested that the solar wind interaction with Jupiter may be essentially different from that with the earth, with the Jovian magnetosphere opening up to form a planetary wind.

Michel, F. C.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Main magnetic field of Jupiter and its implications for future orbiter missions

A very strong planetary magnetic field and an enormous magnetosphere with extremely intense radiation belts exist at Jupiter. Pioneer 10 and 11 fly-bys confirmed and extended the earlier ground based estimates of many of these characteristics but left unanswered or added to the list of several important and poorly understood features: the source mechanism and location of decametric emissions, and the absorption effects by the natural satellites Amalthea, Io, Europa and Ganymede. High inclination orbits (exceeding 60 deg) with low periapses (less than 2 Jupiter radii) are required to map the radiation belts and main magnetic field of Jupiter accurately so as to permit full investigation of these and associated phenomena.

Acuna, M. H.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Remote sensing of the magnetic moment of Uranus - Predictions for Voyager

The current understanding of the power transfer mechanisms by which power is supplied to a planet's magnetosphere by the kinetic energy of planetary spin and the energy flux of the impinging solar wind is applied to the case of Uranus, in order to predict the detectability of radio and auroral emissions by the planetary radio astronomy (PRA) and UV spectrometer (UVS) instruments of the Voyager spacecraft. The power available for the two energy transfer phenomena cited is a function of Uranus' magnetic moment, which is presently derived for each power source as a function of the date of first detection of radio emissions by the PRA or auroral emissions by the UVS.

Hill, T. W.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Electron Dynamics in a Subproton-Gyroscale Magnetic Hole

Magnetic holes are ubiquitous in space plasmas, occurring in the solar wind, downstream of planetary bow shocks, and inside the magnetosphere. Recently, kinetic-scale magnetic holes have been observed near Earth's central plasma sheet. The Fast Plasma Investigation on NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission enables measurement of both ions and electrons with 2 orders of magnitude increased temporal resolution over previous magnetospheric instruments. Here we present data from MMS taken in Earth's nightside plasma sheet and use high-resolution particle and magnetometer data to characterize the structure of a subproton-scale magnetic hole. Electrons with gyroradii above the thermal gyroradius but below the current layer thickness carry a current sufficient to account for a 10-20 depression in magnetic field magnitude. These observations suggest that the size and magnetic depth of kinetic-scale magnetic holes is strongly dependent on the background plasma conditions.

Gershman, Daniel J.↗