Energetics of the dayside ionosphere of Venus

Abstract

A reanalysis of the Pioneer Venus electron temperature data base showed a strong correlation between elevated electron temperatures and induced magnetic fields in the day side ionosphere above about 200 km. These results suggest, although not conclusively, that the elevated temperatures are the result of reduced vertical conductivities caused by the horizontal, induced fields with a possible contribution from energy deposition by magnetosheath electrons moving along the field from the tail region.