Landau heating of Martian tail current sheet electrons by magnetosonic waves

The Martian magnetotail current sheet shares characteristics with its terrestrial counterpart and serves as a critical pathway for the escape of ionospheric ions. Understanding this process is vital for reconstructing the historical evolution of Mars' atmosphere. In this study, we report on an unique Martian current sheet where the thermal pressure of electrons, rather than ions, counterbalances the ambient magnetic pressure. Our numerical analysis indicates that electron heating within the current sheet is predominantly driven by magnetosonic waves via Landau resonance. These waves are likely generated in the upstream magnetosheath region. Our results highlight the crucial role of wave-particle interactions in shaping the plasma environment around Mars.