Abstract
We give a possible explanation for the high ion temperatures of ~108 K measured in the middle magnetosphere of Jupiter. In the absence of a significant heat source, much lower temperatures are expected due to adiabatic cooling of the expanding cloud of plasma from the Io torus region of the magnetosphere. We show that the weak magnetohydrodynamic turbulent fluctuations observed in the middle magnetosphere dissipate energy at a rate that can account for the high ion temperatures. A simple estimate gives a turbulent heating rate of 2.5 × 107 K day-1 at a radial distance of around 20 Jupiter radii, where the turbulence maximizes. We present a one-dimensional radial temperature model and find a temperature profile in good agreement with the values observed by the Galileo spacecraft.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
