A Model Analysis of Newly Released Galileo Electron Density Data

Regents Of The University Of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor MI

Investigators

Abstract

AST 0098717 Majeed Dr. Tariq Majeed, at the Southwest Research Institute, will analyze the newly released electron density data from Jupiter taken by the Galileo spacecraft. Dr. Majeed will modify existing models to allow more realistic calculations of the density distribution of each of the 14 vibrationally excited levels of molecular hydrogen in their ground electronic state. The model will use the neutral temperature structure and composition measurements from the Galileo ASI probe. Dr. Majeed will also study the effects of the vertical drift of plasma, induced either by electric fields or neutral winds, on the distribution of the measured ionospheric electron densities. Such dynamic effects can influence the ionospheric structure by moving the location of the electron density peak. The modified version of the model will be used to interpret the newly released Galileo data. ***