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Statistical Analysis of Discrete Aurora on Mars: Variability with Magnetic Topology, Local Time and Season
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  • Krishnaprasad Chirakkil,
  • Robert James Lillis,
  • Justin Deighan,
  • Michael Scott Chaffin,
  • Sonal Jain,
  • David Andrew Brain,
  • Matthew O. Fillingim,
  • Raghuram Susarla,
  • Gregory Holsclaw,
  • Xiaohua Fang,
  • Nicholas M. Schneider,
  • Hoor Almazmi,
  • Hessa Almatroushi,
  • Marko Gacesa,
  • Nayla El-Kork
Krishnaprasad Chirakkil
University of Colorado Boulder

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Robert James Lillis
University of California, Berkeley
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Justin Deighan
LASP
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Michael Scott Chaffin
LASP
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Sonal Jain
LASP
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David Andrew Brain
University of Colorado Boulder
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Matthew O. Fillingim
University of California, Berkeley
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Raghuram Susarla
Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado
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Gregory Holsclaw
University of Colorado Boulder
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Xiaohua Fang
University of Colorado Boulder
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Nicholas M. Schneider
University of Colorado Boulder
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Hoor Almazmi
UAE Space Agency
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Hessa Almatroushi
Unknown
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Marko Gacesa
Khalifa University
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Nayla El-Kork
Khalifa University
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Abstract

We present a comprehensive study of the nightside discrete electron aurora phenomenon on Mars, utilizing observations from EMUS onboard EMM. The oxygen emission at 130.4 nm is by far the brightest FUV auroral emission line observed at Mars. We identify auroral pixels in OI 130.4 nm disk observations, with higher sensitivity than previously possible. Our statistical analysis reveals regional, SZA, local time, and seasonal dependencies of auroral occurrence. Higher occurrence of aurora is observed in regions of open magnetic topology and vertical crustal magnetic fields. Aurora occurs more frequently closer to the terminator and is more likely on the dusk versus dawn sides of the night hemisphere. A pronounced auroral feature appears close to midnight local times in the southern hemisphere, consistent with the “spot” of energetic electron fluxes previously identified in the MGS data. The auroral spot is more frequent after midnight than before. Additionally, some regions on Mars are “aurora voids” where essentially no aurora occurs. The non-crustal field aurora exhibits a seasonal dependence, with major enhancements around Ls 235° (near perihelion) and Ls 30°. This is in line with the seasonal variability in ionospheric TEC observed by Mars Express, which is in turn related to the variability of solar irradiance and thermospheric density. Aurora occurrence also shows an increase with the rise of Solar Cycle 25. These observations not only shed light on where and when Martian aurora occurs, but also add to our understanding of Mars’ magnetic environment and its interaction with the heliospheric environment.
16 Feb 2024Submitted to ESS Open Archive
28 Feb 2024Published in ESS Open Archive