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Pluto's Interaction With Energetic Heliospheric Ions
P Kollmann1, M E Hill1, R C Allen1
1The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Laurel MD USA.
Journal of Geophysical Research. Space Physics
|July 21, 2022
Summary
New Horizons data reveals Pluto's magnetosphere depletes energetic ions near the dwarf planet. Ion intensity increases with distance, with oscillations observed in Pluto's wake.
Area of Science:
- Space physics
- Plasma physics
- Planetary science
Background:
- Energetic ions and suprathermal ions are present in Pluto's environment.
- The New Horizons spacecraft provided in-situ measurements during its 2015 flyby.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavior and depletion of energetic ions within Pluto's magnetosphere.
- To analyze the intensity variations and wave phenomena associated with these ions.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing data from the Pluto Energetic Particle Spectrometer Science Investigation (PEPSSI) instrument.
- Analyzing ion intensities and their relationship to distance from Pluto and magnetospheric boundaries.
Main Results:
- Pluto's magnetosphere boundary depletes energetic ion intensities by an order of magnitude near the dwarf planet.
- Ion intensity increases exponentially with distance, returning to interplanetary medium levels at approximately 190 Pluto radii.
- Oscillations with a 0.2-hour periodicity were observed in Pluto's wake, explained by an ultralow-frequency wave's electric field.
Conclusions:
- The magnetosphere significantly influences energetic ion populations near Pluto.
- Ultralow-frequency waves may play a role in shaping the plasma environment within Pluto's wake.
- No evidence of plutogenic ions was found in the studied energy range.
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