Periodic variations of oxygen EUV dayglow in the upper atmosphere of Venus: Hisaki/EXCEED observations. Issue 12 (2nd December 2015) - Masunaga, K.
Abstract: Using the Extreme Ultraviolet Spectroscope for Exospheric Dynamics (EXCEED) aboard Hisaki and the Solar Extreme Ultraviolet Monitor on the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, we investigate variations of the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) dayglow brightness for OII 83.4 nm, OI 130.4 nm, and OI 135.6 nm in the Venusian upper atmosphere observed in March–April (period 1), April–May (period 2), and June–July (period 3) in 2014. The result shows that characteristic periodicities exist in the dayglow variations other than the ~27 day solar rotational effect of the solar EUV flux: 1.8, 2.8, 3.1, 4.5, and 9.9 day in period 1; 1.1 day in period 2; and 1.0 and 11 day in period 3. Many of these periodicities are consistent with previous observations and theory. We suggest these periodicities are related to density oscillations of oxygen atoms or photoelectrons in the thermosphere. The cause of these periodicities is still uncertain, but planetary‐scale waves and/or gravity waves propagating from the middle atmosphere, and/or minor periodic variations of the solar EUV radiation flux may play a role. Effects of the solar wind parameters (velocity, dynamic pressure, and interplanetary magnetic field's intensity) on the dayglow variations are also investigated using the Analyser of Space Plasma and Energetic Atoms (ASPERA‐4) and magnetometer aboard Venus Express. Although clear correlation with the dayglow variations is not found, their minor periodicities are similar to the dayglow periodicities. Contribution of the solar wind to the dayglow remains still unknown, but the solar wind parameters might affect the dayglow variations. Key Points: Periodic variations of the EUV oxygen dayglow are observed at Venus The solar EUV flux controls main periodic variations of the oxygen dayglow Atmospheric waves and the solar wind may control minor dayglow periodicities