A new model of the solar wind interaction with Mars

J. Schoendorf (ATK Mission Research), M. Mendillo, P. Withers, J. Wilson (Boston University)

We introduce a new MHD model of the Mars ionosphere-solar wind system. The model is adapted from a terrestrial MHD model of the global ionosphere-thermosphere-magnetosphere system, and includes the presence of crustal magnetic fields. We present first results of the solar wind interaction with the Mars ionosphere, including the effects of the crustal fields on ionopause height and bow shock location.

This project has been funded under the NASA Mars Fundamental Research program.