Photoelectrons and Solar Ionizing Radiation at Mars: Predictions Versus MAVEN Observations

Understanding the evolution of the Martian atmosphere requires knowledge of processes transforming solar irradiance into thermal energy well enough to model them accurately. Here we compare Martian photoelectron energy spectra measured at periaps is by Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution MissioN...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Geophysical Research 2016-08, Vol.121 (9)
Main Authors: Peterson, W. K., Thiemann, E. M. B., Eparvier, Francis G., Andersson, Laila, Fowler, C. M., Larson, Davin, Mitchell, Dave, Mazelle, Christian, Fontenla, Juan, Evans, J. Scott, Xu, Shaosui, Liemohn, Mike, Bougher, Stephen, Shotaro, Sakai, Cravens, T. E., Elrod, M. K., Benna, M., Mahaffy, P., Jakosky, Bruce
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
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Summary:Understanding the evolution of the Martian atmosphere requires knowledge of processes transforming solar irradiance into thermal energy well enough to model them accurately. Here we compare Martian photoelectron energy spectra measured at periaps is by Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution MissioN (MAVEN) with calculations made using three photoelectron production codes and three solar irradiance models as well as modeled and measured CO2 densities. We restricted our comparisons to regions where the contribution from solar wind electrons and ions were negligible. The two intervals examined on 19 October 2014 have different observed incident solar irradiance spectra. In spite of the differences in photoionization cross sections and irradiance spectra used, we find the agreement between models to be within the combined uncertainties associated with the observations from the MAVEN neutral density, electron flux, and solar irradiance instruments.
ISSN:0148-0227
2156-2202