A Case Study of the Impact of a Transient Solar Wind Structure on Venus

With no magnetic field for protection, Venus' induced magnetosphere and ionosphere are very sensitive to solar wind drivers. We present data from the ESA Venus Express of an encounter with a large (~0.17AU) solar wind structure which created significantly enhanced solar wind density and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) strength, the main component of which was an abnormal ~20nT radial component. This structure fortuitously reached its peak when our spacecraft was close to periapsis, permitting the study of the global consequences of this Solar Wind transient event. We show the dramatic effects on the foreshock, foreshock, sheath, ionosphere, and wake, and the enhanced stripping of the atmosphere.