|
|
 |
|
|
Ann. Geophys., 24, 407-414, 2006
www.ann-geophys.net/24/407/2006/
© European Geosciences Union 2006
Plasma environment of magnetized asteroids: a 3-D hybrid simulation study
S. Simon1, T. Bagdonat1, U. Motschmann1, and K.-H. Glassmeier2
1Institute for Theoretical Physics, TU Braunschweig, Germany
2Institute for Geophysics and Extraterrestrial Physics, TU Braunschweig, Germany
Abstract. The interaction of a magnetized asteroid with the
solar wind is studied by using a three-dimensional hybrid
simulation code (fluid electrons, kinetic ions).
When the obstacle's
intrinsic magnetic moment is sufficiently strong, the interaction
region develops signs of magnetospheric structures. On the one hand,
an area from which the solar wind is excluded forms downstream of the
obstacle. On the other hand, the interaction region is surrounded by a
boundary layer which indicates the presence of a bow shock. By
analyzing the trajectories of individual ions, it is
demonstrated that kinetic effects have global consequences for the
structure of the interaction region.
Full Article in PDF (2070 KB) |
|
|
