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HST Observations of Comet-Induced Aurora on Mars during the Siding Spring Encounter – John Clarke (Boston University) et. al Far-UV images and spectra, also NUV spectra Look for effects of energy input in Mars atmosphere, changes in atmospheric structure (mainly H and O)
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HST Observations of Comet-Induced Aurora on Mars during the Siding Spring Encounter – John Clarke (Boston University) et. al Far-UV images and spectra, also NUV spectra Look for effects of energy input in Mars atmosphere, changes in atmospheric structure (mainly H and O) Also look for auroral emission on nightside, produced by energetic neutrals - main emissions will be NUV Observations will be during comet encounter with a duplicate background set several days before 19 Oct. - issues with timing of observations…
HST Observations of Comet-Induced Aurora on Mars during the Siding Spring Encounter Aurora on Mars: Detection spectrum from MEX/SPICAM -> Flux of neutral atoms/ molecules (H2O, OH, and O) will be at 200-300 eV, sufficient energy to penetrate to ~ 150 km altitude and produce 20-30 UV photons (mainly by secondary electron impact) Expect a few kR of NUV emissions, less in FUV, far brighter than nominal martian aurora expected during MAVEN prime mission