Structure of the Venus ionosheath

Abstract

A review of experimental observations of the region of interaction of the solar wind with the Venus ionosphere is presented. In particular we examine measurements of the solar wind flow between the ionopause (outer boundary of the ionosphere) and the bow shock that forms upstream from it. That region (the ionosheath) is divided by an intermediate plasma transition into 2 distinct layers. In the inner layer the plasma moves slower. is hotter. and less dense than in the external layer. Such plasma transition is detected along the flanks of the Venus ionosheath and downstream along the sides of the planet's plasma tail.