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Solar Wind Electron Analyzer (SWEA)

Solar Wind Electron Analyzer (SWEA)

MAVEN SWEA Instrument
The SWEA instrument measures the solar wind and electrons in the ionosphere of Mars. (Courtesy David L. Mitchell, UCB/SSL)

The Solar Wind Electron Analyzer (SWEA) is a part of the Particles and Fields (P & F) Package and measures the solar wind and ionospheric electrons.

Goals:

  • Deduce magneto-plasma topology in and above the Martian ionosphere based on electron spectra and pitch angle distributions
  • Measure atmospheric electron impact ionization effects

Observations:

  • Measure energy and angle distributions of electrons in the Mars environment
  • Determine magnetic topology from pitch angle distributions
  • Measure solar wind, sheath and primary ionospheric photoelectron spectrum
  • Determine electron impact ionization rates
  • Measure auroral electron populations
  • Evaluate plasma environment

Technical details and heritage:

  • Hemispherical Electrostatic Analyzer with deflectors
  • Electrons with energies from 5 eV to 4.6 keV
  • FOV 360o x 120o (Azimuth x Elevation)
  • Angular resolution 22.5o in azimuth x 20o in elevation
  • In this image, the MAVEN Solar Wind Electron Analyzer undergoes final deployment in late September 2013 in preparation for launch on November 18. (Courtesy NASA/KSC)
    In this image, the MAVEN Solar Wind Electron Analyzer undergoes final deployment in late September 2013 in preparation for launch on November 18. (Courtesy NASA/KSC)
  • Energy fluxes 103 to 109 eV/cm2-s-ster-eV
  • Energy resolution: ΔE/E = 17%, FWHM (capability for 9% below 50 eV)
  • Time resolution: 2 sec
  • Mounted at end of 1.5-meter boom
  • Heritage from STEREO SWEA

Instrument publications: (sorted by most recent at top)

David L. Mitchell—SWEA Instrument Lead
David L. Mitchell—SWEA Instrument Lead

The SWEA instrument lead is David L. Mitchell (SSL). For more about Mitchell, visit: http://bit.ly/dmitchellbio.

 

 

 

 

 


MAVEN Science Community Workshop Presentation
(Dec. 2, 2012)

SWEA presentation (2.4 MB PDF)
SWEA presentation
(2.4 MB PDF)