Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
1774101 | Icarus | 2009 | 8 Pages |
Abstract
Here we present the analysis of data taken in June 29th and 30th and in July 1st 2005, when Mercury's true anomaly angle (TAA) was in the range 124-130°. The spectra show particularly intense sodium lines with a distinctive peak in emission localized in the southern hemisphere at mid-latitudes. This seems to be a persistent feature related to consecutive favorable IMF conditions inducing localized enhancements of surface sodium density. The comparison with previous data taken by Potter et al. [Potter, A.E., Killen, R.M., Morgan, T.H., 2002. Meteorit. Planet. Sci. 37 (9), 1165-1172] evidences a surprising consistency of the anti-sunward component, which appears to remain constant regardless of the changing illumination and space weather conditions at Mercury.
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Physical Sciences and Engineering
Earth and Planetary Sciences
Space and Planetary Science
Authors
V. Mangano, F. Leblanc, C. Barbieri, S. Massetti, A. Milillo, G. Cremonese, C. Grava,