The Martian diffuse aurora: a model of ultraviolet and visible emissions

[en] A new type of Martian aurora, characterized by an extended spatial distribution, an altitude lower than the discrete aurora and electron precipitation up to 200 keV has been observed following solar activity on several occasions from the MAVEN spacecraft. We describe the results of Monte Carlo simulations of the production of several ultraviolet and violet auroral emissions for initial electron energies extending from 0.25 to 200 keV. These include the CO2+ ultraviolet doublet (UVD) at 288.3 and 289.6 nm and the Fox–Duffendack–Barker (FDB) bands, CO Cameron and Fourth Positive bands, OI 130.4 and 297.2 nm and CI 156.1 nm and 165.7 nm multiplets. We calculate the nadir and limb production rates of several of these emissions for a unit precipitated energy flux. Our results indicate that electrons in the range 50-200 keV produce maximum CO2+ UVD emission below 75 km, in agreement with the MAVEN observations. We calculate the efficiency of photon production per unit precipitated electron power. The strongest emissions are the CO2+ FDB, UVD and CO Cameron bands and the oxygen mission at 297.2 nm. The metastable a 3Π state which radiates the Cameron bands is deactivated by collisions below about 110 km. As a consequence, we show that the Cameron band emission is expected to peak at a higher altitude than the CO2+ UVD and FDB bands. Collisional quenching also causes the intensity ratio of the CO2+ UVD to CO Cameron bands to increase below ∼100 km in the energetic diffuse aurora.

Disciplines :

Space science, astronomy & astrophysics

Author, co-author :

Gérard, Jean-Claude ; Université de Liège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO)

Soret, Lauriane ; Université de Liège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Labo de physique atmosphérique et planétaire (LPAP)

Shematovich, V.I.

Bisikalo, D.V.

Bougher, Stephen W.

Language :

English

Title :

The Martian diffuse aurora: a model of ultraviolet and visible emissions

Publication date :

February 2017

Journal title :

Icarus

ISSN :

0019-1035

eISSN :

1090-2643

Publisher :

Elsevier, San Diego, United States - California

Volume :

288

Pages :

284-294

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Name of the research project :

CODYMAV

Funders :

BELSPO - SPP Politique scientifique - Service Public Fédéral de Programmation Politique scientifique

Available on ORBi :

since 02 February 2017

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