Abstract
In this paper, we review the scientific aspects of planetary space weather at different regions of our Solar System, performing a comparative planetology analysis that includes a direct reference to the circum-terrestrial case. Through an interdisciplinary analysis of existing results based both on observational data and theoretical models, we review the nature of the interactions between the environment of a Solar System body other than the Earth and the impinging plasma/radiation, and we offer some considerations related to the planning of future space observations. We highlight the importance of such comparative studies for data interpretations in the context of future space missions (e.g. ESA JUICE; ESA/JAXA BEPI COLOMBO). Moreover, we discuss how the study of planetary space weather can provide feedback for better understanding the traditional circum-terrestrial space weather. Finally, a strategy for future global investigations related to this thematic is proposed.
Highlights
We review the scientific aspects of planetary space weather at different regions of our Solar System, performing a comparative planetology analysis that includes a direct reference to the circum-terrestrial case
The scope of this review paper is to integrate the effort started in the earlier study by Lilensten et al (2014) by (a) providing an update of the current knowledge on the scientific aspects of planetary space weather, with special emphasis on the outer Solar System; (b) discussing considerations related to future missions such as ESA JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (JUICE) and ESA/ JAXA BEPI COLOMBO and (c) demonstrating the benefit for the circum-terrestrial space weather discipline from studies related to other planetary environments
In the current paper we focus on topics related to the upcoming missions ESA JUICE and ESA/JAXA BEPI COLOMBO, we emphasize the relevance of such planetary space weather studies for future missions to all destinations in the Solar System
Summary
In 2010, this definition was slightly modified and the significant role of the variability of the Sun and of the environment conditions was evidenced: ‘‘the term ‘space weather’ refers to the variable conditions on the Sun, throughout space, and in the Earth’s magnetic field and upper atmosphere that can influence the performance of space-borne and ground-based technological systems and endanger human life or health’’ In both of these definitions, the term ‘‘space weather’’ was restricted to the terrestrial case and did not include planetary environments. The associated discipline aims, through observation, monitoring, analysis and modelling, at understanding the driving processes, predicting the state of the Sun, the interplanetary and planetary environments including the Earth’s magnetic field, their disturbances, and forecasting and nowcasting the potential impacts of these disturbances on ground-based or space-based infrastructure and human life or health’’ This definition re-introduces the Earth as a unique object of study and is not suited for planetary space weather. This results in space weather phenomena of different intensities and morphologies across the entire Solar System
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