Observed absence of energetic electrons and protons near Venus

Abstract

Abstract : The report discusses the following points: (a) The environment of Venus is almost, if not completely, devoid of energetic particles associated with the planet, as is the environment of Mars and that of the moon. (b) On the basis of physical similitude with observational and theoretical knowledge of the earth's magnetosphere, we conclude that the intrinsic magnetic dipole moment of Venus is certainly less than 0.01 and probably less than 0.001 of that of the earth. Corresponding upper limits on the equatorial surface magnetic field of Venus are about 350 and 35 x 10 to the -5th power gauss, respectively. (c) The magneto-fluid dynamical interaction of the solar wind with the conducting ionosphere and/or the body of Venus is too weak to generate an observable intensity of electrons having energies exceeding 45 keV.