Variability of Europa's Interaction with the Jovian Magnetosphere
Abstract
In anticipation of the arrival of the Europa Clipper mission at its destination, this work characterizes the interaction of Europa with the Jovian magnetosphere using a multifluid MHD treatment. In order to accomplish this, the system is simulated in multiple relevant configurations, including cases in which Europa is without an exosphere and cases with an exosphere. While not a reflection of reality, simulations of the system without a Europan exosphere—and ionosphere—allow for quantification of the effects of the induced dipole separate from those of plasma sourced at Europa. In the cases in which an exosphere is simulated, asymmetries due to the sputtering derived nature of the exosphere are included. Ionization of exospheric material is calculated dynamically using electron impact ionization, photoionization, and ion charge exchange. Additionally, changes between when Europa is inside of or outside of the Jovian plasma sheet are investigated, as this may cause significant alteration to the Europan ionosphere between Europa Clipper's various flybys.
- Publication:
-
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2017
- Bibcode:
- 2017AGUFMSM33D2706H
- Keywords:
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- 2732 Magnetosphere interactions with satellites and rings;
- MAGNETOSPHERIC PHYSICS;
- 6218 Jovian satellites;
- PLANETARY SCIENCES: SOLAR SYSTEM OBJECTS;
- 6250 Moon;
- PLANETARY SCIENCES: SOLAR SYSTEM OBJECTS;
- 6280 Saturnian satellites;
- PLANETARY SCIENCES: SOLAR SYSTEM OBJECTS