Observations of a Mini-Magnetosphere Above the Martian Crustal Magnetic Fields

Abstract

Mars is typically regarded as a non-magnetic planet. Currents in the Martian ionosphere generate a Venus-like induced magnetosphere which deflects the solar wind flows and piles up the interplanetary magnetic fields. However, crustal magnetic fields in the southern hemisphere influence local plasma properties. Using observations from the MAVEN mission, we characterize the distinguishing plasma characteristics of a mini-magnetosphere that forms on the Martian dayside. We establish three criteria to differentiate this mini-magnetosphere from the induced magnetosphere. Notably, the mini-magnetosphere exhibits higher plasma beta (values near 1), with a balance between planetary ions, crustal magnetic fields, and the solar wind at the magnetopause. Observations show that the crustal magnetosphere reaches an altitude of 1,300 km, larger than one-third of the Martian radius, indicating a dichotomy between the induced northern and the crustal southern magnetospheres. These findings offer novel insights into the distinctive properties of hybrid magnetospheres in the near-Mars space.