New results on planetary lightning

Yair, Yoav

doi:10.1016/j.asr.2012.04.013

Cited by 41 publications

(42 citation statements)

References 149 publications

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“…Cosmic rays may have a significant role in the ionic and electronic charges for charge separation arising from dynamical processes in the Venus cloud altitudes and likely in the generation of Venus lightning Levin et al, 1983;Yair, 2012;Yair et al, 2008;Michael et al, 2009). For example, Levin et al (1983), assuming that charge separation and lightning discharges occur on other planets in ways similar to those in which they occur on Earth, concluded that lightning on Venus will probably be found in clouds that are located in regions of convection such as those observed downwind of the subsolar point.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Solar energetic particle interactions with the Venusian atmosphere

et al. 2016

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Abstract. In the context of planetary space weather, we estimate the ion production rates in the Venusian atmosphere due to the interactions of solar energetic particles (SEPs) with gas. The assumed concept for our estimations is based on two cases of SEP events, previously observed in near-Earth space: the event in October 1989 and the event in May 2012. For both cases, we assume that the directional properties of the flux and the interplanetary magnetic field configuration would have allowed the SEPs' arrival at Venus and their penetration to the planet's atmosphere. For the event in May 2012, we consider the solar particle properties (integrated flux and rigidity spectrum) obtained by the Neutron Monitor Based Anisotropic GLE Pure Power Law (NMBANGLE PPOLA) model (Plainaki et al., 2010) applied previously for the Earth case and scaled to the distance of Venus from the Sun. For the simulation of the actual cascade in the Venusian atmosphere initiated by the incoming particle fluxes, we apply the DYASTIMA code, a Monte Carlo (MC) application based on the Geant4 software (Paschalis et al., 2014). Our predictions are afterwards compared to other estimations derived from previous studies and discussed. Finally, we discuss the differences between the nominal ionization profile due to galactic cosmic-ray-atmosphere interactions and the profile during periods of intense solar activity, and we show the importance of understanding space weather conditions on Venus in the context of future mission preparation and data interpretation.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Solar energetic particle interactions with the Venusian atmosphere

et al. 2016

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“…For these reasons, some effort has been devoted to detecting possible lightning on Venus, as indicated by the literature on the topic ( (Desch et al 2003;Yair 2012;Aplin 2013;Aplin and Fischer 2017). Reviews of Venus lightning specifically include Williams et al 1983, Russell 1991, and the two notably comprehensive reviews in the Arizona Press "Venus" books now two decades old- Ksanfomality et al 1983, Grebowsky et al 1997.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lightning detection on Venus: a critical review

Lorenz

2018

Prog Earth Planet Sci

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Claimed detections and nondetections of lightning and related electromagnetic emissions on Venus are qualitatively contradictory. Here, motivated by the commencement of observations by the Akatsuki spacecraft and by studies of future missions, we critically review spacecraft and ground-based observations of the past 40 years, in an attempt to reconcile the discordant reports with a minimal number of assumptions. These include invoking alternative interpretations of individual reports, guided by sensitivity thresholds, controls, and other objective benchmarks of observation integrity. The most compelling evidence is in fact the first, the very low frequency (VLF) radio emissions recorded beneath the clouds by all four of the Veneras 11-13 landers, and those data are re-examined closely, finding power-law amplitude characteristics and substantial differences between the different profiles. It is concluded that some kind of frequent electrical activity is supported by the preponderance of observations, but optical emissions are not consistent with terrestrial levels of activity. Venus' activity may, like Earth's, have strong temporal and/or spatial variability, which coupled with the relatively short accumulated observation time for optical measurements, can lead to qualitative discrepancies between observation reports. We note a number of previously unconsidered observations and outline some considerations for future observations.

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“…Discharges likely exist in the Martian atmosphere. [4][5][6][7] However, discharges have never been observed during previous landing explorations. Although the Mars Global Surveyor tried to detect E-M waves coming from Martian discharges, the results were negative; the study commented that terrestrial-like discharges were 1/10,000 weaker than terrestrial events.…”

Section: Clues Regarding Detectable DC Fields and Dischargesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Studies of Dust and Discharges around a Martian Rover with Onboard Hazard Analyses using Electromagnetic and Acoustic Wave Measurements

Yamamoto

Sato

Ishisaka

et al. 2016

AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY JAPAN

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A remote-sensing payload designed for a Mars rover, to observe Martian discharge events induced by dust devils and storms, is introduced. Low-frequency electromagnetic (E-M) and acoustic wave (AW) measurements have never been performed on Mars. Thus, to date, the occurrence of large-scale electrical discharges on Mars remains unknown. These measurements are important, due to the long propagation distances (>100 km) of these atmospheric events and the potential damage incurred by Martian rover systems and future human landings. Combining E-M and AW measurements, precise distance information on dust storms and dust devils can be obtained using the velocities of light and sound, because discharges are generated by electrostatic processes in a low-pressure dusty atmosphere. Moreover, by estimating electrical conductivity using E-M waves, information on underground moisture may be obtained. The rover will also record the sounds of roaring winds, shock waves caused by meteor entries, the possible eruption of ground gases, liquid flow, and the operating sounds of the rover itself − all historic firsts for Mars exploration.

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New results on planetary lightning

Cited by 41 publications

References 149 publications

Solar energetic particle interactions with the Venusian atmosphere

Solar energetic particle interactions with the Venusian atmosphere

Lightning detection on Venus: a critical review

Studies of Dust and Discharges around a Martian Rover with Onboard Hazard Analyses using Electromagnetic and Acoustic Wave Measurements

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