Energetic ions within Ganymede’s magnetospheric environment

The dynamics of the energetic ion circulation within Ganymede’s magnetosphere and the related surface precipitation patterns determine the variability of surface sputtering and radiolysis and the generation of the moon’s exosphere. The planetary space weather conditions around this icy moon have a long-term influence also on its surface evolution history.

In this work, some key aspects of the energetic ion circulation within the magnetosphere of Ganymede will be discussed. The results of a single-particle Monte Carlo model driven by the electromagnetic fields from a global MHD model will be presented and compared, where possible, with other findings in literature, from a planetary space weather perspective. The estimated surface precipitation patterns for different ion species/energies and configurations between the Jupiter plasma sheet and Ganymede will be also discussed. Special focus will be given on the implications that the ion precipitation on Ganymede’s surface may have in the water sputtering rate. The results of the current study are relevant to ESA’ s JUICE mission.