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Ann. Geophys., 22, 2277-2281, 2004
www.ann-geophys.net/22/2277/2004/
© European Geosciences Union 2004
Solar wind modulation of the Martian ionosphere observed by Mars Global Surveyor
J.-S. Wang1,2 and E. Nielsen1
1Max-Planck-Institut für Aeronomie, 37191 Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany
2School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Abstract. Electron density profiles in the Martian ionosphere observed by the radio
occultation experiment on board Mars Global Surveyor have been analyzed to
determine if the densities are influenced by the solar wind. Evidence is
presented that the altitude of the maximum ionospheric electron density
shows a positive correlation to the energetic proton flux in the solar wind.
The solar wind modulation of the Martian ionosphere can be attributed to
heating of the neutral atmosphere by the solar wind energetic proton
precipitation. The modulation is observed to be most prominent at high solar
zenith angles. It is argued that this is consistent with the proposed
modulation mechanism.
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