Localized variability in the upper ionospheric structure driven by the Mars-Solar wind interaction

 

This study focuses on how the Mars upper ionosphere responds to the impinging solar wind. Mars doesn’t have a significant global magnetic field, and the solar wind subsequently interacts directly with the gravitationally bound and electrically conducting upper ionosphere to form an induced magnetosphere that is highly dynamic and its structure responds quickly (in minutes or less) to changes in upstream solar wind conditions. More specifically, variability in ionospheric density and temperature structure is observed by orbiting spacecraft both within individual orbit passes and between consecutive orbits, even when solar quiet conditions are present.  We use Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) data to examine this variability via case studies and statistical studies, to determine the physical processes at play, and how their contributions vary with upstream solar wind conditions. This presentation will present preliminary results that characterize the variability of the ionospheric density structure observed over several weeks of observations.