UNSPECIFIED (1997) Investigation of magnetospheric interactions with the Hermean surface. In: B0 1 Symposium of COSPAR Scientific Commission B on Comparative Studies of the Moon and Mercury, at the 31st COSPAR Scientific Assembly, JUL 14-21, 1996, BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND.

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Abstract

The magnetosphere of Mercury is populated by trapped particles, of which a significant proportion, certainly the Sodium and Potassium components, are generated by sputtering of the surface by solar UV, solar wind and by the trapped particles themselves. The surface is extensively modified by these processes, so that for Mercury studies of the surface and the magnetosphere form a single linked problem. The available evidence on the relationship between Mercury's surface and magnetosphere is described. We therefore consider new instrumental approaches to address directly the coupling of the radiation environment with the surface. One such instrument would be a neutral atom imager. Since neutrals travel on ballistic trajectories, but can have kinetic energies large compared to escape energy, it is possible to relate the information obtained about the surface to geographically well defined regions. Different energies yield information on different coupling processes. We can also obtain information on the global energy inputs to the system. The intense level of the radiation observed by Mariner suggests that the auroral zone, where the energetic radiation interacts with the surface, is a potential strong source of X-rays. We estimate the fluxes. The solar wind may also contribute to X-ray generation, particularly if it can reach the surface during highly excited periods. (C) 1997 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.

Item Type:	Conference Item (UNSPECIFIED)
Subjects:	T Technology > TL Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics Q Science > QB Astronomy Q Science > QE Geology Q Science > QC Physics
Series Name:	ADVANCES IN SPACE RESEARCH
Journal or Publication Title:	COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF THE MOON AND MERCURY
Publisher:	PERGAMON PRESS LTD
ISBN:	0-08-043287-5
ISSN:	0273-1177
Editor:	Ip, WH
Date:	1997
Volume:	19
Number:	10
Number of Pages:	6
Page Range:	pp. 1609-1614
Publication Status:	Published
Title of Event:	B0 1 Symposium of COSPAR Scientific Commission B on Comparative Studies of the Moon and Mercury, at the 31st COSPAR Scientific Assembly
Location of Event:	BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND
Date(s) of Event:	JUL 14-21, 1996
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/17563

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