Do we understand well how the Martian magnetosphere is organized?
- 1Max-Planck-Institute for Solar System Research, Goettingen, Germany (dubinin@mps.mpg.de)
- 2Rheinisches Institut fuer Umweltforschung, Abteilung Planetforschung, Cologne, Germany
The Martian magnetosphere contains elements of induced and intrinsic origin. We will focus on three questions concerning its structure. Reconnection of the draping IMF with crustal field leads to a twisting of classical induced configuration. Why this twist is so stable and well arranged despite of a very complex topology of the crustal magnetic field. Another interesting question is a significant asymmetry of the Martian magnetosphere. The observations show that additionally to the main draping of the interplanetary magnetic field lines in the antisunward direction a draping in the opposite direction to the motional electric field arises. What origin is of such asymmetry? The third question is related to the fact that Mars occurs not only in the flow of solar wind but also in the flow of ‘oxygen wind’ originating from the extended hot oxygen corona. What effects arise during such type of the interaction? We will discuss possible answers on these questions.
How to cite: Dubinin, E., Fraenz, M., and Paetzold, M.: Do we understand well how the Martian magnetosphere is organized?, Europlanet Science Congress 2022, Granada, Spain, 18–23 Sep 2022, EPSC2022-71, https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc2022-71, 2022.