The generation, propagation, and impact of magnetosonic waves in the Mars magnetosphere: analysis of global hybrid simulations

Mars does not possess a significant, global magnetic field, and the solar wind subsequently interacts with
the gravitationally bound and electrically conducting ionosphere. This interaction produces an induced
magnetosphere, within which a plethora of dynamic processes can be active. This study focuses
specifically on the generation, propagation and impact of magnetosonic waves, which can transport
energy through the magnetosphere and into the planetary ionosphere. While these waves have been
observed by orbiting spacecraft (in particular, Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN), a
satellite that has been in Mars orbit since 2013), these single point in-situ observations cannot provide
instantaneous coverage of the entire magnetosphere, thus limiting our knowledge of these waves and their
impact on the system. This work utilizes global hybrid simulations of the Mars-solar wind interaction,
specifically from the HALFSHEL code. “Complete” ion physics are included in the simulation code such
that the induced magnetosphere, magnetosonic waves and their propagation, are self consistently
captured. The code can thus be used to identify the generation mechanisms of these waves, their
propagation through the magnetosphere, and where energy carried by these waves is deposited in the
system. These features can be tracked in the full 3D spatial domain, and through time. The preliminary
results from this study are presented, focusing on the initial identification of magnetosonic waves in the
magnetosphere. Their characteristics are compared to those observed by single point MAVEN
measurements.