The Unknown Hydrogen Exosphere: Space Weather Implications
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that the hydrogen (H) density in the exosphere and geocorona might differ from previously assumed values by factors as large as 2. We use the SAMI3 (Sami3 is Also a Model of the Ionosphere) and Comprehensive Inner MagnetosphereâIonosphere models to evaluate scenarios where the hydrogen density is reduced or enhanced, by a factor of 2, relative to values given by commonly used empirical models. We show that the rate of plasmasphere refilling following a geomagnetic storm varies nearly linearly with the hydrogen density. We also show that the ring current associated with a geomagnetic storm decays more rapidly when H is increased. With respect to these two space weather effects, increased exosphere hydrogen density is associated with reduced threats to space assets during and following a geomagnetic storm.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2018
- Source ID
- 10.1002/2017sw001780
Entities
People
- Alex Glocer
- J. D. Huba
- J. Krall
- Mei-Ching Fok
- S. M. Nossal
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- United States Naval Research Laboratory
- University of WisconsinâMadison