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The magnetic field of Mars: Mars 5 evidence re‐examined
Author(s) -
Russell C. T.
Publication year - 1978
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 - 10.1029/gl005i001p00085
Subject(s) - mars exploration program , martian , astrobiology , magnetopause , magnetosphere , spacecraft , physics , planet , geophysics , atmosphere of mars , planetary science , geology , magnetic field , astronomy , quantum mechanics
The putative magnetotail encounters of the Mars 5 spacecraft cannot be scaled to the terrestrial magnetopause. Furthermore, the magnetic field during these claimed magnetotail encounters tends to be wrapped around the planet rather than rooted in it. There is no conclusive evidence that the Mars 5 spacecraft ever entered a Martian magnetosphere. The upper limit to the Martian magnetic moment is estimated to be 2×10 21 Gauss‐cm³, or 2.5×10 −5 of the terrestrial magnetic moment.