Propagation of electromagnetic waves through the Martian ionosphere

Olga Melnik (1) , Michel Parrot (1)

1 LPCE - Laboratoire de physique et chimie de l'environnement

This paper is related to the study of ELF-VLF wave propagation through the Martian ionosphere using a WKB method. It is expected that waves coming from the atmosphere could be observed by a probe in orbit around Mars. Characteristics of the wave propagation have been determined from Maxwell's equations. The ionospheric conductivities have been calculated using known parameters of the Martian ionosphere in different cases: nightside and dayside, low and high solar activity, and low and high magnetic field. It is shown that ELF-VLF waves with a maximum frequency-4000 Hz can only propagate if we consider a strong magnetic field on the nightside and a low solar activity.

Domaines: Planète et Univers [physics]

Olga Melnik, Michel Parrot. Propagation of electromagnetic waves through the Martian ionosphere. Journal of Geophysical Research Space Physics, 1999, 104 (A6), pp.12705-12714. ⟨10.1029/1999JA900100⟩. ⟨insu-03234946⟩