Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere Coupling Study at Jupiter Based on Juno's First 30 Orbits and Modeling Tools

Area of Science:

• Space Physics
• Planetary Science
• Aeronomy

Background:

• Jovian magnetosphere dynamics are driven by planetary rotation, solar wind, and Io plasma.
• Coupling processes link Jupiter's magnetosphere, ionosphere, and thermosphere.
• Key ionospheric parameters govern energy and momentum transfer.

Purpose of the Study:

• Extend a previously developed method to analyze Juno's first 30 orbits.
• Retrieve key ionospheric parameters in both Jovian hemispheres.
• Investigate variability and trends in these parameters.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a combined approach of Juno multi-instrument data and three modeling tools.
• Applied the method to data from the first 30 Juno science orbits.
• Analyzed parameters along Juno's magnetic footprint in both hemispheres.

Main Results:

• Significant orbit-to-orbit and hemispheric variability in key parameters was observed.
• Southern hemisphere current systems show consistent sub-corotating plasma flows.
• Northern hemisphere exhibits both super-corotating and sub-corotating plasma flows.

Conclusions:

• The study reveals distinct hemispheric differences in Jovian ionospheric plasma flows.
• Results provide insights into Jupiter's magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere coupling.
• Findings advance our understanding of Jovian atmospheric and magnetospheric dynamics.