Dynamics in Titan´s ionosphere

This is an application to fund a PhD student to determine the physics behind observed dynamic features in the ionosphere of Titan. The student will work full time over 4-years, supervised by the three applicants. This is of importance sinse it explains in a detailed level how such an ionosphere works.

The aim is to determine the physical processes that cause the dynamic nature of this profoundly variable ionosphere.

One manifestation of this variability is the presence of large density peaks (~100 cm-3) intermittently seen in the topside ionosphere.

Another manifestation is the escaping plasma from the moon that have been observed to form extended plumes in the wake region. These are caused by dynamic plasma process in the ionosphere and through the interaction with the upstream plasma.

We will also determine other sources of dynamics on different timescales including any seasonal dependence by using the 13-year’s of Cassini measurements, effects of Saturn Kilometric Radiation phase, movement of the magnetodisc current sheet that passes by Titan. Solar flares and solar wind pressure pulses will also be investigated toward the end of the project.

We will mainly be using data from the Langmuir Probe instrument (LP) on Cassini for this work.

The LP on Cassini has been developed by our institute and we have a strong history in conducting research from both such meaurements and from Titan. This ensures a solid foundation for a young researcher to begin his/her career.