MGS Radio Science electron density profiles: The planetocentric longitudinal variability of peak parameters
Abstract
Early analysis of the first 745 electron density profiles returned by the radio science experiment aboard MGS spacecraft provided a strong evidence of planetocentric longitude control on the E and F1 layers of the Martian have ionosphere (Bougher et al., 2001, 2004). This feature is not seen in the E and F1 layers of the Earth’s ionosphere. With the availability of an extensive data set of 5600 MGS-electron density profiles, we have therefore re-examined the longitude dependence of the Martian ionosphere. We have studied not only the variations of the peak height and peak density of the E and F1 layers but of other derived parameters like total electron content and atmospheric scale height also. A major feature seen is the presence of well defined ridges and troughs in the longitude plots of the observed as well as of the derived parameters around 0, 75 and 150 E longitudes but this feature is seen only during northern summer and that too in the F1 layer. This feature is not present in remainder of the MGS electron density profiles returned during other seasons and is rarely seen in the Martian E layer. We also examined the characteristics of electron density profiles located at the troughs and ridges in the longitudinal plots and find major differences in their shapes and in the magnitudes of the observed and derived parameters. These results are discussed in light of the current theories of Martian ionosphere and solar wind interaction.
- Publication:
-
40th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2014
- Bibcode:
- 2014cosp...40E3438U