Objective
The proposal requests a support for the study of the efficiency of the erosion process of the Martian atmosphere/ionosphere under the exposition by the solar wind. The global objective of this study is to provide a coherent picture how energy is transferred from the solar wind to surrounding regions of the planet and to clarify its environmental effects on planetary atmosphere. Modelling of the solar wind/Mars interaction is a crucial element in this research. We plan to use two different approaches. The bi-ion MHD model will be an appropriate basis to describe the global behaviour of the plasma environment in question. The assumptions of single fluid MHD models are violated near Mars, but bi-(or multi)-ion model allows differential streaming; this expands the applicability. Hybrid method of simulation will complement the study focusing on microphysics of the interaction processes. Multi-instrument analysis of the data from the previous space missions to Mars will be widely used to testify modelling results. The final product of this research will be a model of the plasma environment around Mars, synthesising theory, observations and simulations, which can be used as an engineering model for future space missions to Mars (e. g. Mars-Express).
Call for proposal
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37191 Katlenburg-Lindau
Germany