Magnetotail dynamics at Mars: Initial MAVEN observations. Issue 21 (5th November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: DiBraccio, Gina A.; Espley, Jared. R.; Gruesbeck, Jacob R.; Connerney, John E. P.; Brain, David A.; Halekas, Jasper S.; Mitchell, David L.; McFadden, James P.; Harada, Yuki; Livi, Roberto; Collinson, Glyn; Hara, Takuya; Mazelle, Christian; Jakosky, Bruce M.
• Is Part Of: Geophysical research letters. Volume 42:Issue 21(2015:Nov.)
• Page Start: 8828
• Page End: 8837
• Publication Date: 2015-11-05
• Subjects: substorm‐like signatures -- magnetotail reconnection -- plasma sheet flapping -- magnetic flux ropes -- energized planetary ions -- current sheet dynamics; Geophysics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Periodicals; Lunar geology -- Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1002/2015GL065248
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-8276

Abstract

Abstract: We report on the complex nature of the induced Martian magnetotail using simultaneous magnetic field and plasma measurements from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft. Two case studies are analyzed from which we identify (1) repetitive loading and unloading of tail magnetic flux as the field magnitude changes dramatically, exhibiting signatures similar to substorm activity within intrinsic magnetospheres; (2) multiple current sheet crossings indicative of plasma sheet flapping; (3) tailward flowing high‐energy planetary ions (O + and O2 + ), confined exclusively to the cross‐tail current sheet, contributing to atmospheric escape; and (4) signatures of magnetic flux ropes, suggesting the occurrence of tail reconnection. These events illustrate the complexity of the Martian magnetotail as MAVEN provides key observations relevant to the unanswered questions of induced magnetosphere dynamics. Key Points: Initial MAVEN observations demonstrate dynamics of the complex Martian magnetotail Observed substorm‐like loading/unloading of magnetic flux with signatures of magnetic reconnection Escaping high‐energy planetary ions are observed exclusively in tail current sheet