Premium
Mars' Ionospheric Interaction With Comet C/2013 A1 Siding Spring's Coma at Their Closest Approach as Seen by Mars Express
Author(s) -
Sánchez–Cano Beatriz,
Lester Mark,
Witasse Olivier,
Morgan David D.,
Opgenoorth Hermann,
Andrews David J.,
Blelly PierreLouis,
Cowley Stanley W. H.,
Kopf Andrew J.,
Leblanc François,
Espley Jared R.,
CardesínMoinelo Alejandro
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: space physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2169-9402
pISSN - 2169-9380
DOI - 10.1029/2019ja027344
Subject(s) - comet , mars exploration program , ionosphere , martian , physics , geology , comet tail , geophysics , electron density , astrobiology , meteoroid , solar wind , electron , magnetic field , quantum mechanics
On 19 October 2014, Mars experienced a close encounter with Comet C/2013 A1 Siding Spring. Using data from the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding (MARSIS) on board Mars Express (MEX), we assess the interaction of the Martian ionosphere with the comet's coma and possibly magnetic tail during the orbit of their closest approach. The topside ionospheric electron density profile is evaluated from the altitude of the peak density of the ionosphere up to the MEX altitude. We find complex and rapid variability in the ionospheric profile along the MEX orbit, not seen even after the impact of a large coronal mass ejection. Before closest approach, large electron density reductions predominate, which could be caused either by comet water damping or comet magnetic field interactions. After closest approach, a substantial electron density rise predominates. Moreover, several extra topside layers are visible along the whole orbit at different altitudes, which could be related to different processes as we discuss.