Distribution of ionospheric currents induced by the solar wind interaction with Venus |
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| Authors: | RE Daniell PA Cloutier |
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| Institution: | Department of Space Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, TX 77001, U.S.A. |
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| Abstract: | The electric currents induced in the atmosphere of a non-magnetic planet such as Venus by the interaction of the solar wind satisfy a generalized Ohm's Law relationship with tensor conductivity. The distribution of these currents within the planetary ionosphere may be calculated by a variational technique which minimizes the Joule heating over the ionospheric volume. In this paper, we present the development of the variational technique, and apply it to a model of the solar wind interaction with Venus.Potential and current distributions are shown, and the use of these distributions in determining convective transport patterns of planetary ions is discussed. |
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