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Jovian Plasmas Torus Interaction with Europa. Plasma Wake Structure and Effect of Inductive Magnetic Field: 3D Hybrid Kinetic SimulationThe hybrid kinetic model supports comprehensive simulation of the interaction between different spatial and energetic elements of the Europa moon-magnetosphere system with respect to a variable upstream magnetic field and flux or density distributions of plasma and energetic ions, electrons, and neutral atoms. This capability is critical for improving the interpretation of the existing Europa flyby measurements from the Galileo Orbiter mission, and for planning flyby and orbital measurements (including the surface and atmospheric compositions) for future missions. The simulations are based on recent models of the atmosphere of Europa (Cassidy et al., 2007; Shematovich et al., 2005). In contrast to previous approaches with MHD simulations, the hybrid model allows us to fully take into account the finite gyroradius effect and electron pressure, and to correctly estimate the ion velocity distribution and the fluxes along the magnetic field (assuming an initial Maxwellian velocity distribution for upstream background ions). Photoionization, electron-impact ionization, charge exchange and collisions between the ions and neutrals are also included in our model. We consider the models with Oþ þ and Sþ þ background plasma, and various betas for background ions and electrons, and pickup electrons. The majority of O2 atmosphere is thermal with an extended non-thermal population (Cassidy et al., 2007). In this paper, we discuss two tasks: (1) the plasma wake structure dependence on the parameters of the upstream plasma and Europa's atmosphere (model I, cases (a) and (b) with a homogeneous Jovian magnetosphere field, an inductive magnetic dipole and high oceanic shell conductivity); and (2) estimation of the possible effect of an induced magnetic field arising from oceanic shell conductivity. This effect was estimated based on the difference between the observed and modeled magnetic fields (model II, case (c) with an inhomogeneous Jovian magnetosphere field, an inductive magnetic dipole and low oceanic shell conductivity).
Document ID
20140002245
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pss.2013.01.009
Authors
Lipatov, A. S. (Maryland Univ. Baltimore County Catonsville, MD, United States)
Cooper, J F. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Paterson, W. R. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Sittler, E. C., Jr. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Hartle, R. E. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Simpson, David G. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Date Acquired
March 20, 2014
Publication Date
March 1, 2013
Publication Information
Publication: Planetary and Space Science
Publisher: Elsevier
Volume: 77
ISSN: 0032-0633
Subject Category
Space Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
GSFC-E-DAA-TN8988
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNG11PL02A
OTHER: SMD-09-1110
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
Keywords
Jovian magnetosphere
Europa
plasma
ion composition
magnetic fields

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