The Martian Electron Foreshock,Based on Mars Global Surveyor's Measurements

The Martian electron foreshock position and shape have been revealed using electron flux data obtained by the Electron Reflectometer (ER) experiment on board Mars Global Surveyor, in the time period between days 87 and 118 of 1998. From the electron flux measurements, 90 inbound and outbound electron foreshock crossings were detected. Apart from their spatial distribution, their temporal variability is also studied and investigated for possible correlation with the solar wind conditions, the solar radiation flux, and especially the interplanetary magnetic field configuration at the time. The outer boundary of the ion foreshock is identified as the inner limit of the electron foreshock. The energy distribution of the foreshock electrons is also discussed.