Viking electron temperature measurements: Evidence for a magnetic field in the Martian ionosphere

摘要: Further analysis of the Viking RPA data has now provided measurements thermal electron temperature in upper Martian ionosphere. It is found that Te several thousand degrees K, i.e., only order twice ion temperature. The sum all measured partial plasma pressures, including ions and suprathermal electrons, a minimum value ∼5×10−10 dyn cm−2 near 350 km to be insufficient balance pressure shocked solar wind 1000 altitude, by factor 4. Thus there no doubt magnetic field at least 30 40 nT permeates This conclusion not inconsistent with previous assessments, but it firm observational basis. These do uniquely establish whether intrinsic or induced, our assessment significant moment required.