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First results of the MAVEN magnetic field investigation
Author(s) -
Connerney J. E. P.,
Espley J. R.,
DiBraccio G. A.,
Gruesbeck J. R.,
Oliversen R. J.,
Mitchell D. L.,
Halekas J.,
Mazelle C.,
Brain D.,
Jakosky B. M.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1002/2015gl065366
Subject(s) - spacecraft , physics , solar wind , magnetic field , geophysics , mars exploration program , bow shock (aerodynamics) , computational physics , aerospace engineering , shock wave , astrobiology , mechanics , astronomy , quantum mechanics , engineering
Two Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN magnetic field sensors sample the ambient magnetic field at the outer edge of each solar array. We characterized relatively minor spacecraft‐generated magnetic fields using in‐flight subsystem tests and spacecraft maneuvers. Dynamic spacecraft fields associated with the power subsystem (≤1 nT) are compensated for using spacecraft engineering telemetry to identify active solar array circuits and monitor their electrical current production. Static spacecraft magnetic fields are monitored using spacecraft roll maneuvers. Accuracy of measurement of the environmental magnetic field is demonstrated by comparison with field directions deduced from the symmetry properties of the electron distribution function measured by the Solar Wind Electron Analyzer. We map the bow shock, magnetic pileup boundary, the V × B convection electric field and ubiquitous proton cyclotron, and 1 Hz waves in the ion foreshock region.