| Autor: |
Gao, J. W.1,2,3, Rong, Z. J.1,2,3, Persson, M.4, Stenberg, G.4, Zhang, Y. C.5, Klinger, L.6, Wang, X. D.4, Liu, D.1,2,3, Wei, Y.1,2,3, Barabash, S.4, Futaana, Y.4 |
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| Zdroj: |
Journal of Geophysical Research. Space Physics. Jan2021, Vol. 126 Issue 1, p1-13. 13p. |
| Abstrakt: |
Utilizing the in situ observations of the Analyzer of Space Plasmas and Energetic Atoms (ASPERA-4) and the magnetometer (MAG) onboard Venus Express, we report evidence of crossing the ion diffusion region of magnetic reconnection. Evidence of magnetic reconnection is based on two cases recorded by Venus Express in the Venusian magnetotail. In both cases, the variations of the magnetic field components are consistent with the classical picture of crossing the ion diffusion region. Our evidence is also supported by observed ion flows whose directions and speeds agree with expected characteristics of reconnection outflow. The reconnection crossing cases demonstrate that magnetic reconnection can appear in both ± E-hemispheres in the Venusian magnetotail. The Venusian magnetotail provides a unique space laboratory for the investigation of the reconnection process. Plain Language Summary Magnetic reconnection is known as an important process that transforms magnetic energy into the kinetic and thermal energy of plasma, and has been frequently observed in the Earth's magnetosphere. In contrast to Earth, Venus lacks an intrinsic magnetic field and magnetic reconnection in the space environment of Venus has been less investigated. A previous study by T. L. Zhang et al. (2012, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1217013) demonstrated that magnetic reconnection can occur in the Venusian magnetotail. However, in situ observation of the ion diffusion region has not yet been reported. With a comprehensive survey of the plasma and magnetic field measurements of Venus Express, we report the first in situ evidence of crossing the ion diffusion region in the Venusian magnetotail. Our results confirm the existence of reconnection in the Venusian magnetotail and suggest that magnetic reconnection could play an important role in the plasma dynamics of the Venusian magnetotail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Databáze: |
GreenFILE |
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