Dependence of O+ escape rate from the Venusian upper atmosphere on IMF directions

Abstract

We investigate the dependence of the O+ escape rate on the upstream interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) direction by using data from the Analyser of Space Plasma and Energetic Atoms (ASPERA-4) instrument and the magnetometer (MAG) onboard Venus Express. We consider two cases, namely the perpendicular IMF case (167 events) and the parallel IMF case (82 events), where IMF is nearly perpendicular to the Venus-Sun line and nearly parallel to it. By integrating O+ fluxes observed on the nightside, total O+ escape rates of (5.8 ± 2.9) × 1024 s-1 (perpendicular IMF case) and (4.9 ± 2.2) × 1024 s -1 (parallel IMF case) are obtained. As these values are not significantly different, the upstream IMF direction does not affect the total amount of O+ outflow from Venus. The different acceleration mechanisms must balance each other in order to keep the escape rate the same. Key Points The Venusian O+ escape rate does not depend on the upstream IMF directionSpatial distributions of escaping O+ ions from Venus depend on the IMF directionDifferent acceleration mechanisms must balance each other for different IMF ©2013. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.