Astrophysics/Space Physics Seminar – Dr. Gina A DiBraccio; NASA GFSC | Physics and

Becoming a Martian and Investigating the Magnetotail of Mars

Dr. Gina A. DeBraccio; NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

The Martian magnetosphere is a complex plasma environment, formed as the solar wind directly interacts with the planet’s ionosphere and crustal magnetic fields. The magnetotail, which extends behind the planet and away from the Sun, is a particularly dynamic region with characteristics that are representative of both intrinsic (e.g., Earth) and induced (e.g., Venus) magnetospheres. The comprehensive particles and fields instrument suite aboard NASA’s MAVEN mission has been elucidating mysteries of the Martian magnetotail since the spacecraft went into orbit in 2014. Given that the magnetotail is a menagerie of crustal fields at Mars and draped interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) from the Sun, MAVEN observations have been revealing just how multifaceted this region is. Recent investigations have demonstrated that the structure of the Martian magnetotail is twisted away from its expected orientation based on IMF draping alone. Further analysis has explored various factors that may be responsible for causing this twist.  In this presentation, we will present the discoveries of the twisted magnetotail at Mars and also outline the career path that has led Dr. DiBraccio to various opportunities in science and leadership at NASA.