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Interaction of solar wind with Mars as seen by charged particle traps on Mars 2, 3, and 5 satellites
Author(s) -
Gringauz K. I.
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
reviews of geophysics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 8.087
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1944-9208
pISSN - 8755-1209
DOI - 10.1029/rg014i003p00391
Subject(s) - mars exploration program , martian , solar wind , bow shock (aerodynamics) , magnetosphere , astrobiology , geophysics , physics , magnetopause , mercury's magnetic field , planet , plasma , atmosphere of mars , magnetic field , interplanetary magnetic field , shock wave , mechanics , astronomy , quantum mechanics
The near‐Martian plasma measurements carried out by means of charged particle traps aboard the Mars 2, 3, and 5 satellites are reviewed. The planetary bow shock was observed; in a number of satellite passes near the planet the boundary of the obstacle that causes the bow shock was crossed. Arguments supporting the existence of an intrinsic magnetic field of Mars and of the possible existence of a quasi‐isotropic plasma zone in the Martian magnetic tail are given. The behavior of the plasma and magnetic field at the obstacle boundary gives evidence favoring a magnetic nature for the obstacle (i.e., favoring the existence of a Martian magnetosphere).