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Magnetic Holes Upstream of the Martian Bow Shock: MAVEN Observations
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  • Hadi Madanian,
  • Jasper, S. Halekas,
  • Christian, Xavier Mazelle,
  • Nick Omidi,
  • Jared, Randolph Espley,
  • David, L. Mitchell,
  • James P. Mcfadden
Hadi Madanian
University of Iowa

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Jasper, S. Halekas
University of Iowa
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Christian, Xavier Mazelle
IRAP; Université de Toulouse; CNRS; CNES; UPS-OMP; Toulouse, France
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Nick Omidi
Solana Scientific Inc
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Jared, Randolph Espley
NASA Goddard
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David, L. Mitchell
University of California, Berkeley
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James P. Mcfadden
University of California, Berkeley
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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.
Jan 2020Published in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics volume 125 issue 1. 10.1029/2019JA027198