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The distant bow shock and magnetotail of Venus: Magnetic field and plasma wave observations
Author(s) -
Russell C. T.,
Luhmann J. G.,
Elphic R. C.,
Scarf F. L.
Publication year - 1981
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/gl008i007p00843
Subject(s) - magnetosheath , bow shock (aerodynamics) , bow wave , venus , solar wind , physics , geophysics , orbiter , magnetopause , plasma sheet , shock wave , magnetosphere , plasma , magnetic field , mercury's magnetic field , magnetosphere of jupiter , interplanetary magnetic field , astronomy , astrobiology , mechanics , quantum mechanics
An examination of the magnetic field and plasma wave data obtained by the Pioneer Venus orbiter in the wake region behind Venus discloses a well developed bow shock whose location is similar to that observed on previous missions in contrast to the dayside bow shock. Venus also has a well developed magnetotail in which the field strength is enhanced over magnetosheath values and in which the magnetic field is aligned approximately with the solar wind direction. The boundary between magnetosheath and magnetotail is also marked by a change in the plasma wave spectrum.