Responses of the Martian Magnetosphere to an Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejection: MAVEN Observations and LatHyS Results

Abstract

AbstractThe Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft observed a strong interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME) reaching Mars on 13 September 2017. In this work we analyze the interaction between such an extreme event and the Martian‐induced magnetosphere by means of Laboratoire Atmosphères, Milieux et Observations Spatiales Hybrid Simulation (LatHyS) stationary runs and magnetic field and plasma observations obtained by MAVEN in a time interval from ∼ 5 hr before the ICME shock arrival to about 5.5 hr after the impact. Detailed comparisons between simulation results and such MAVEN measurements are performed and show that several stages during this interaction can be described through a combination of steady states. LatHyS results show the simulated bow shock is closer to the planet for higher magnetosonic Mach number and solar wind dynamic pressure conditions, in agreement with previous observational studies. MAVEN observations and LatHyS results also suggest a compression on the flanks of the magnetic pileup boundary. Finally, simulated H+ and O+ planetary escape rates increase by a factor ∼10 and ∼2.4, respectively, due to the ICME passage through the Martian magnetosphere.