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The hot plasma environment at jupiter: ulysses results
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 11, 1992
Summary
The Ulysses spacecraft revealed Jupiter's magnetosphere is highly extended. Intense particle beams were discovered in the high-latitude, dusk-side magnetosphere, likely causing auroras.
Area of Science:
- Space Physics
- Plasma Physics
- Planetary Science
Background:
- The Ulysses mission provided in-situ measurements of Jupiter's hot plasma environment.
- Previous studies, like Voyager, had identified an inner magnetosphere boundary.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail new discoveries about Jupiter's extended magnetosphere and hot plasma.
- To analyze the behavior and composition of plasma populations during the Ulysses flyby.
Main Methods:
- In-situ measurements of hot plasma and energetic ions using the Ulysses spacecraft.
- Analysis of ion fluxes, anisotropies, and particle beam characteristics.
Main Results:
- Jupiter's magnetosphere extends significantly, with the magnetopause at ~105 Jupiter radii.
- Heavy ion populations (sulfur, oxygen, sodium) increased sharply around 86 Jupiter radii.
- Intense, field-aligned ion and electron beams were observed in the dusk-side, high-latitude magnetosphere.
Conclusions:
- The Jovian magnetosphere is more extended than previously thought.
- Plasma composition suggests latitude-dependent abundances of Jupiter-derived species.
- Discovered particle beams are a likely source of polar auroras.
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