Observations and hybrid simulation of Mars’ induced magnetosphere under radial interplanetary magnetic field

The interaction between planetary atmosphere and stellar winds governs atmospheric evolution in unmagnetized planets. Generally, interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) drapes around the planetary ionosphere, creating a magnetic barrier that deflects stellar winds and leads to the formation of an induced magnetosphere. However, whether an induced magnetosphere can form under radial IMF conditions where the IMF aligns with solar wind flow in our solar system remains controversial. By analyzing joint observations from the Tianwen-1 orbiter and the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution mission combined with hybrid numerical simulations, we clearly demonstrate the formation of Mars’ induced magnetosphere during the radial IMF for the first time. This induced magnetosphere comprises draped magnetic field and induced magnetic field. Magnetic pressure buildup above the ionosphere surpasses incident solar wind pressure, which establishes a stable magnetic barrier. This finding indicates that the draped magnetic field still forms under radial IMF. The formation of Mars’ induced magnetosphere under the radial IMF could be a general pattern for the interaction between the IMF and planetary atmosphere, which can be referred to terrestrial exoplanets within the close-in habitable zone of dwarf stars. This work clarifies the fundamental understanding of solar wind interactions with unmagnetized planets across diverse solar wind conditions.