Shock-induced magnetic reconnection in the Venusian magnetotail

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Authors: Zhang Meng, Dang Tong, Jiuhou Lei, Zhang Binzheng, Wang Rongsheng, Xiao Sudong, Zhang Tielong, Chen Junjie, Yan Maodong
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Abstract

Venus lacks an intrinsic magnetic field, and its induced magnetosphere differs significantly from Earth's stable dipolar magnetic field. Although magnetic reconnection was detected in the near Venusian magnetotail, the drivers and impacts of magnetic reconnection at Venus remain poorly understood. In this study, we present the global magnetohydrodynamic simulation of Venusian magnetotail reconnection. The results reproduce characteristic reconnection signatures in the Venusian magnetotail and delineate the formation of three-dimensional magnetic structures consistent with reconnection topologies. We demonstrate that reconnection is triggered by the compression of the draped interplanetary magnetic field following an interplanetary shock, a mechanism previously associated with terrestrial dynamics. We further explore the roles of velocity, density and magnetic field of the solar wind in this process. This work highlights new insights into magnetic reconnection in unmagnetized plasma environments.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics Astro and Planetary Science

Publication details

Journal / source
EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts
Publication date
14 March 2026
Language
EN