Abstract
Magnetic holes (MHs) are pressure-balanced structures characterized by
distinct decreases in the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) strength
in otherwise unperturbed solar wind. In this paper we present an
analysis of MHs upstream of the Martian bow shock based on three months
of observations by the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN)
spacecraft. Plasma properties within and around these structures as well
as their shape characteristics are examined. We find an occurrence rate
of around 2.1 events per day. About 48 percent of all events are of
linear type with magnetic field rotation across the hole less than 10
degrees. We observe linear magnetic holes both as isolated events and as
part of a train of magnetic holes. The proton temperature anisotropy
inside MHs increases while alpha particles remain mostly isotropic. The
average electron temperature inside MHs modestly increases with
increasing hole depth. The duration of linear holes at 1.5 AU shows an
increase compared to durations at smaller heliocentric distances, but
the structures remain asymmetrical and ellipsoid. A case study of MHs
accompanied by a population of heavy pickup ions is also discussed.