Properties of Hermean plasma belt: Numerical simulations and comparison with MESSENGER data. Issue 1 (30th January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Herčík, David; Trávníček, Pavel M.; Štverák, Štěpán; Hellinger, Petr
• Is Part Of: Journal of geophysical research. Volume 121:Issue 1(2016:Jan.)
• Page Start: 413
• Page End: 431
• Publication Date: 2016-01-30
• Subjects: Mercury -- plasma belt -- numerical simulations; Magnetospheric physics -- Periodicals; Space environment -- Periodicals; Cosmic physics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Atmospheres -- Periodicals; Heliosphere (Astrophysics) -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Periodicals; 523.01
• DOI: 10.1002/2015JA021938
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-9380

Abstract

Abstract: Using a global hybrid model and test particle simulations we present a detailed analysis of the Hermean plasma belt structure. We investigate characteristic properties of quasi‐trapped particle population characteristics and its behavior under different orientations of the interplanetary magnetic field. The plasma belt region is constantly supplied with solar wind protons via magnetospheric flanks and tail current sheet region. Protons inside the plasma belt region are quasi‐trapped in the magnetic field of Mercury and perform westward drift along the planet. This region is well separated by a magnetic shell and has higher average temperatures and lower bulk proton current densities than the surrounding area. On the dayside the population exhibits loss cone distribution function matching the theoretical loss cone angle. The simulation results are in good agreement with in situ observations of MESSENGER's (MErcury Surface Space ENvironment GEochemistry, and Ranging) MAG and FIPS instruments. Key Points: Mercury's plasma belt structure and properties of the quasi‐trapped particles Precipitation of solar wind protons to the Mercury's surface Proton energization within the Mercury's plasma belt