Marsward and tailward ions in the near‐Mars magnetotail: MAVEN observations

• DOI: 10.1002/2015gl065005
• Publication Date: 2015-11-05T19:17:02Z
• Authors: Y. Harada; J. S. Halekas; J. P. McFadden; D. L. Mitchell; C. Mazelle; J. E. P. Connerney; J. Espley; D. E. Larson; D. A. Brain; G. A. DiBraccio; S. M. Curry; T. Hara; R. Livi; S. Ruhunusiri; B. M. Jakosky
• Keywords: Atmosphere of Mars; Exosphere

Abstract We present Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) observations of Marsward tailward fluxes suprathermal (>25 eV) ions in the near‐Mars (∼1–1.5 radii downstream) magnetotail. Statistical results show that proton flux magnetic field draping pattern are well organized by upstream motional electric direction. observe both significant tightly wrapped lines hemisphere pointed opposite direction to field. These characteristics very similar those observed at Venus. On other hand, net oxygen points on average Martian tail, while Venusward flows were frequently same The mechanism which is produced presence ion remains unclear.