The formation of the ionospheric flux ropes at Venus.
Abstract
Previous missions to Venus have revealed that encounters with magnetic flux ropes are common in the ionosphere. Ranging in size, these plasma irregularities have been reported to be unsystematically oriented throughout a wide range of locations within the dayside ionosphere. Their formation mechanisms have only been postulated and their evolution is still unclear. By using the data from the Venus Express mission, we have conducted a statistical study of magnetic flux ropes. Flux ropes are identified on the basis of their (1) plasma origins and (2) bipolar magnetic field signature. The Venus Express instrumentation provides information on the spatial sizes, locations, and axial orientations of flux ropes. These characteristics have been examined to provide possible explanations to the previous unresolved discussions of their origins. Understanding the formation of flux rope irregularities could shed light on the evolution of the Venus atmosphere.
- Publication:
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43rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Held 28 January - 4 February
- Pub Date:
- January 2021
- Bibcode:
- 2021cosp...43E.423S