A spherical harmonic model of the magnetic field of Jupiter is obtained from vector magnetic field observations acquired by the Juno spacecraft during 32 of its first 33 polar orbits. These Prime Mission orbits sample Jupiter's magnetic field nearly uniformly in longitude (∼11° separation) as measured at equator crossing. The planetary magnetic field is represented with a degree 30 spherical harmonic and the external field is approximated near the origin with a simple external spherical harmonic of degree 1. Partial solution of the underdetermined inverse problem using generalized inverse techniques yields a model (“JRM33”) of the planetary magnetic field with spherical harmonic coefficients reasonably well determined through degree and order 13. Useful information regarding the field extends through degree 18, well fit by a Lowes' spectrum with a dynamo core radius of 0.81 Rj, presumably the outer radius of the convective metallic hydrogen region. This new model provides a most detailed view of a planetary dynamo and evidence of advection of the magnetic field by deep zonal winds in the vicinity of the Great Blue Spot (GBS), an isolated and intense patch of flux near Jupiter's equator. Comparison of the JRM33 and JRM09 models suggests secular variation of the field in the vicinity of the GBS during Juno's nearly 5 years of operation in orbit about Jupiter. The observed secular variation is consistent with the penetration of zonal winds to a depth of ∼3,500 km where a flow velocity of ∼0.04 ms−1 is required to match the observations.

Abstract. We examine the circulation of heavy ions of planetary origin within Mercury's magnetosphere. Using single particle trajectory calculations, we focus on the dynamics of sodium ions, one of the main species that are ejected from the planet's surface. The numerical simulations reveal a significant population in the near-Mercury environment in the nightside sector, with energetic (several keV) Na + densities that reach several tenths cm −3 at planetary perihelion. At aphelion, a lesser (by about one order of magnitude) density contribution is obtained, due to weaker photon flux and solar wind flux. The numerical simulations also display several features of interest that follow from the small spatial scales of Mercury's magnetosphere. First, in contrast to the situation prevailing at Earth, ions in the magnetospheric lobes are found to be relatively energetic (a few hundreds of eV), despite the low-energy character of the exospheric source. This results from enhanced centrifugal acceleration during E × B transport over the polar cap. Second, the large Larmor radii in the mid-tail result in the loss of most Na + into the dusk flank at radial distances greater than a few planetary radii. Because gyroradii are comparable to, or larger than, the magnetic field variation length scale, the Na + motion is also found to be non-adiabatic throughout most of Mercury's equatorial magnetosphere, leading to chaotic scattering into the loss cone or meandering (Speiser-type) motion in the near-tail. As a direct consequence, a localized region of energetic Na + precipitation develops at the planet's surface. In this region which extends over a wide range of longitudes at mid-latitudes (∼30 • -40 • ), one may expect additional sputtering of planetary material.

No abstract

The general scientific objective of the ASPERA-3 experiment is to study the solar windatmosphere interaction and to characterize the plasma and neutral gas environment within the space near Mars through the use of energetic neutral atom (ENA) imaging and measuring local ion and electron plasma. The ASPERA-3 instrument comprises four sensors: two ENA sensors, one electron spectrometer, and one ion spectrometer. The Neutral Particle Imager (NPI) provides measurements of the integral ENA flux (0.1-60 keV) with no mass and energy resolution, but high angular resolution. The measurement principle is based on registering products (secondary ions, sputtered neutrals, reflected neutrals) of the ENA interaction with a graphite-coated surface. The Neutral Particle Detector (NPD) provides measurements of the ENA flux, resolving velocity (the hydrogen energy range is 0.1-10 keV) and mass (H and O) with a coarse angular resolution. The measurement principle is based on the surface reflection technique. The Electron Spectrometer (ELS) is a standard top-hat electrostatic analyzer in a very compact design which covers the energy range 0.01-20 keV. These three sensors are located on a scanning platform which provides scanning through 180 • of rotation. The instrument also contains an ion mass analyzer (IMA). Mechanically IMA is a separate unit connected by a cable to

The general scientific objective of the ASPERA-3 experiment is to study the solar windatmosphere interaction and to characterize the plasma and neutral gas environment within the space near Mars through the use of energetic neutral atom (ENA) imaging and measuring local ion and electron plasma. The ASPERA-3 instrument comprises four sensors: two ENA sensors, one electron spectrometer, and one ion spectrometer. The Neutral Particle Imager (NPI) provides measurements of the integral ENA flux (0.1-60 keV) with no mass and energy resolution, but high angular resolution. The measurement principle is based on registering products (secondary ions, sputtered neutrals, reflected neutrals) of the ENA interaction with a graphite-coated surface. The Neutral Particle Detector (NPD) provides measurements of the ENA flux, resolving velocity (the hydrogen energy range is 0.1-10 keV) and mass (H and O) with a coarse angular resolution. The measurement principle is based on the surface reflection technique. The Electron Spectrometer (ELS) is a standard top-hat electrostatic analyzer in a very compact design which covers the energy range 0.01-20 keV. These three sensors are located on a scanning platform which provides scanning through 180 • of rotation. The instrument also contains an ion mass analyzer (IMA). Mechanically IMA is a separate unit connected by a cable to Space Science Reviews (2006) 126: 113-164