MAVEN IUVS observation of the hot oxygen corona at Mars. Issue 21 (5th November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Deighan, J.; Chaffin, M. S.; Chaufray, J.‐Y.; Stewart, A. I. F.; Schneider, N. M.; Jain, S. K.; Stiepen, A.; Crismani, M.; McClintock, W. E.; Clarke, J. T.; Holsclaw, G. M.; Montmessin, F.; Eparvier, F. G.; Thiemann, E. M. B.; Chamberlin, P. C.; Jakosky, B. M.
• Is Part Of: Geophysical research letters. Volume 42:Issue 21(2015:Nov.)
• Page Start: 9009
• Page End: 9014
• Publication Date: 2015-11-05
• Subjects: Mars -- corona -- MAVEN -- ultraviolet; Geophysics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Periodicals; Lunar geology -- Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1002/2015GL065487
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-8276

Abstract

Abstract: Observation of the hot oxygen corona at Mars has been an elusive measurement in planetary science. Characterizing this component of the planet's exosphere provides insight into the processes driving loss of oxygen at the current time, which informs understanding of the planet's climatic evolution. The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph (IUVS) instrument is now regularly collecting altitude profiles of the hot oxygen corona as part of its investigation of atmospheric escape from Mars. Observations obtained thus far have been examined and found to display the expected gross structure and variability with EUV forcing anticipated by theory. The quality and quantity of the data set provides valuable constraints for the coronal modeling community. Key Points: MAVEN IUVS is making unprecedented measurements of the Martian hot oxygen corona The corona from 1000–3500 km has a characteristic energy of approximately 1 eV Correlation of coronal brightness with EUV flux is consistent with an ionospheric source