Can an interplanetary magnetic field reach the surface of Venus?

Abstract

We address the question of whether there is a possibility of an interplanetary magnetic field reaching Venus' surface by magnetic diffusion across the ionosphere. We present a model calculation, estimate the magnetic diffusion time at Venus, and find out that the typical diffusion timescale is in a range between 12 and 54 h, depending on the solar activity and the ionospheric magnetic field condition. The magnetic field can thus permeate Venus' surface and even its interior when the solar wind is stationary (i.e., no magnetic field reversal) on the timescale of half a day to several days.