Properties of Electron Distributions in the Martian Space Environment

Electron and magnetic field measurements from the Mars atmosphere and volatile environment (MAVEN) mission are utilized to study the interaction between Mars and the solar wind. Instruments like the solar wind electron analyzer (SWEA) aboard MAVEN measure properties of the electron environment over a broad range of electron energies. Measurements at low electron energies include contributions from spacecraft photoelectrons and secondary electrons that must be accounted for to accurately characterize the environment. We developed an algorithm to identify and remove secondary electron contamination to improve estimates of electron densities and temperature. We then compiled global maps of average electron density, temperature, and temperature anisotropy under different conditions, considering quasi-parallel and quasi-perpendicular bow shocks and upstream solar wind Alfven Mach number. Higher temperature anisotropy is observed for quasi-perpendicular shock crossings, as expected. We find significant electron temperature anisotropy upstream of the bow shock for quasi-perpendicular shock crossings, suggesting a heating mechanism, such as that provided by electromagnetic waves. We analyzed the influence of hi and low Alfven Mach number conditions and found the electron plasma beta to be the only electron property significantly affected. We studied the relationship between the electron distribution function and the generation of instabilities and conclude that the upstream Alfven Mach number influences the stability of electron distributions in the Martian environment.

Automated summary

Electron and magnetic field measurements from the MAVEN mission were used to study the interaction between Mars and the solar wind. The study found differences in electron density, temperature, and temperature anisotropy under different conditions. Additionally, the stability of electron distributions was found to be significantly influenced by the upstream Alfven Mach number.