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The fine structure of the subsolar MPB current layer from MAVEN observations: Implications for the Lorentz force.
  • +7
  • Gabriela Boscoboinik,
  • Cesar Bertucci,
  • Daniel Gómez,
  • Laura Fernanda Morales,
  • Christian Mazelle,
  • Jasper S. Halekas,
  • Jacob R. Gruesbeck,
  • David L. Mitchell,
  • Bruce M. Jakosky,
  • Emmanuel Penou
Gabriela Boscoboinik
Institute for Astronomy and Space Physics, UBA CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Cesar Bertucci
Institute for Astronomy and Space Physics - IAFE
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Daniel Gómez
Institute for Astronomy and Space Physics - IAFE
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Laura Fernanda Morales
Universite de Montreal
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Christian Mazelle
IRAP/CNRS
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Jasper S. Halekas
University of Iowa
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Jacob R. Gruesbeck
University of Maryland
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David L. Mitchell
University of California, Berkeley
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Bruce M. Jakosky
University of Colorado Boulder
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Emmanuel Penou
French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)
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Abstract

We report on the local structure of the Martian subsolar Magnetic Pileup Boundary (MPB) from minimum variance analysis of the magnetic field measured by the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft for six orbits. In particular, we detect a well defined current layer within the MPB’s fine structure and provide a local estimate of its current density which results in a sunward Lorentz force. This force accounts for the deflection of the solar wind ions and the acceleration of electrons which carry the interplanetary magnetic field through the MPB into the Magnetic Pileup Region. We find that the thickness of the MPB current layer is of the order of both the upstream (magnetosheath) solar wind proton inertial length and convective gyroradius. This study provides a high resolution view of one of the components of the current system around Mars reported in recent works.