Ion distributions in the vicinity of Mars: Signatures of heating and acceleration processes

摘要: More than three years of data from the ASPERA-3 instrument on-board Mars Express has been used to compile average distribution functions ions in and around induced magnetosphere. We present samples functions, as well flux patterns based on all suitable for detailed comparison with models near-Mars space environment. The heavy ion distributions close planet form thermal populations a temperature 3 10 eV. tail consist two populations, one cold which is an extension low altitude population, accelerated population ionospheric origin ions. All significant fluxes are tailward. magnetosheath plume flow aligned bow shock, more radial direction solar wind flow. Summarizing escape processes, heated planet, presumably through wave-particle interaction. These tailward restricted region. Another path magnetosheath. A part likely direction, out into magnetosheath, although pick up oxygen exosphere may also be viable source this escape. Increased energy input during CIR events appear mainly increase number escaping particles, particles not strongly affected. Heavy dayside precipitate cause sputtering atmosphere, though lower 0.4 × 1023 s−1.