MAVEN‐STATIC Observations of Ion Temperature and Initial Ion Acceleration in the Martian Ionosphere

Though ion escape to space is an important mechanism for atmospheric loss at Mars, the processes that accelerate ions velocity have not been fully identified and quantified. The lowest altitude where suprathermal planetary appear source region escape, electromagnetic forces waves begin energize velocity. We conducted a statistical study of distribution functions measured by Mars Atmosphere Volatile EvolutioN SupraThermal And Thermal Ion Composition in order identify tails appear. At all solar zenith angles, just above exobase region, mean free path between collisions exceeds neutral gas scale height. temperature profiles are also presented. investigate effects crustal magnetism, finding fields protect plasma on dayside enhance energization nightside.