MESSENGER observations of the spatial distribution of planetary ions near Mercury

Science. 2011 Sep 30;333(6051):1862-5. doi: 10.1126/science.1211302.

Abstract

Global measurements by MESSENGER of the fluxes of heavy ions at Mercury, particularly sodium (Na(+)) and oxygen (O(+)), exhibit distinct maxima in the northern magnetic-cusp region, indicating that polar regions are important sources of Mercury's ionized exosphere, presumably through solar-wind sputtering near the poles. The observed fluxes of helium (He(+)) are more evenly distributed, indicating a more uniform source such as that expected from evaporation from a helium-saturated surface. In some regions near Mercury, especially the nightside equatorial region, the Na(+) pressure can be a substantial fraction of the proton pressure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.