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<p>At planets that possess strong dipole magnetic fields, the Zwan-Wolf effect acts to squeeze plasma along magnetic flux tubes, aiding in the deflection of the solar wind flow about the planet. While the effect has been most studied at Earth, candidate observations have also been made at the outer planets. Here we present observations of the Zwan-Wolf effect occurring at Mars, an unmagnetized planet that lacks a dipole magnetic field. Our analysis of observations made by NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN spacecraft suggest that while the Zwan-Wolf effect is likely continuously active within the Martian ionosphere, it operates below detection thresholds of typical plasma analyzers most of the time. However, an interplanetary coronal mass ejection impact at Mars in December 2023 greatly enhanced the Zwan-Wolf effect within the ionosphere, allowing it to be observed, and highlighting the importance of space weather events for these unmagnetized planetary systems.</p>

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Detection of Zwan-Wolf effect in the ionosphere of Mars

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月18日

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  • Christopher M. Fowler,
  • Kathleen G. Hanley,
  • James McFadden,
  • David Mitchell,
  • Jasper Halekas,
  • Laila Andersson,
  • Duncan Bark,
  • Yingjuan Ma,
  • Christopher Chaston,
  • Beatriz Sanchez-Cano,
  • Mark Lester,
  • David Brain,
  • Christian Mazelle,
  • Jared Espley,
  • Mehdi Benna,
  • Rebecca Jolitz,
  • Robin Ramstad,
  • Shannon Curry

摘要

At planets that possess strong dipole magnetic fields, the Zwan-Wolf effect acts to squeeze plasma along magnetic flux tubes, aiding in the deflection of the solar wind flow about the planet. While the effect has been most studied at Earth, candidate observations have also been made at the outer planets. Here we present observations of the Zwan-Wolf effect occurring at Mars, an unmagnetized planet that lacks a dipole magnetic field. Our analysis of observations made by NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN spacecraft suggest that while the Zwan-Wolf effect is likely continuously active within the Martian ionosphere, it operates below detection thresholds of typical plasma analyzers most of the time. However, an interplanetary coronal mass ejection impact at Mars in December 2023 greatly enhanced the Zwan-Wolf effect within the ionosphere, allowing it to be observed, and highlighting the importance of space weather events for these unmagnetized planetary systems.