Abstract
Observations of the Lyman-a emissions from Interplanetary Hydrogen (IPH)
atoms are made from Mars’ orbit using a high spectral resolution
instrument in echelle configuration. The measurements can uniquely be
used to resolve IPH from planetary H emissions and to subsequently
determine the brightness, velocity, and thermal broadening of the IPH
flow along the instrument line of sight. Planned as well as
serendipitous observations, both upwind and downwind of the flow, are
analyzed to determine these IPH properties and to examine the
variability of IPH brightness with solar activity through the declining
phase of Solar Cycle 24. A heliospheric interface model was used to
simulate and interpret the derived IPH properties. The results show that
the IPH brightness trends with solar irradiance, the flow is fainter
downwind than upwind, the IPH brightness is variable and non-negligible
compared with planetary emissions, and that deriving thermal properties
of IPH requires higher spectral resolution than is presently available.
These results can improve the theoretical understanding of solar system
dynamics by providing empirical constraints to simulations from the
inner boundary of the heliosphere and can guide the development of
future interplanetary missions.