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The electric wind of Venus: A global and persistent “polar wind”‐like ambipolar electric field sufficient for the direct escape of heavy ionospheric ions
Author(s) -
Collinson Glyn A.,
Frahm Rudy A.,
Glocer Alex,
Coates Andrew J.,
Grebowsky Joseph M.,
Barabash Stas,
DomagalGoldman Shawn D.,
Fedorov Andrei,
Futaana Yoshifumi,
Gilbert Lin K.,
Khazanov George,
Nordheim Tom A.,
Mitchell David,
Moore Thomas E.,
Peterson William K.,
Winningham John D.,
Zhang Tielong L.
Publication year - 2016
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 - 10.1002/2016gl068327
Subject(s) - atmospheric escape , venus , ambipolar diffusion , astrobiology , planet , solar wind , ionosphere , physics , electric field , habitability , polar wind , geophysics , astronomy , interplanetary magnetic field , plasma , quantum mechanics
Understanding what processes govern atmospheric escape and the loss of planetary water is of paramount importance for understanding how life in the universe can exist. One mechanism thought to be important at all planets is an “ambipolar” electric field that helps ions overcome gravity. We report the discovery and first quantitative extraterrestrial measurements of such a field at the planet Venus. Unexpectedly, despite comparable gravity, we show the field to be five times stronger than in Earth's similar ionosphere. Contrary to our understanding, Venus would still lose heavy ions (including oxygen and all water‐group species) to space, even if there were no stripping by the solar wind. We therefore find that it is possible for planets to lose heavy ions to space entirely through electric forces in their ionospheres and such an “electric wind” must be considered when studying the evolution and potential habitability of any planet in any star system.