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On the origin of the tailward velocity of O+ ions over the magnetic poles of Mars

Pérez-de-Tejada, H.; Reyes-Ruiz, M.; Aceves, H.

We numerically simulate the dynamics of a population of O+ ions of ionospheric origin picked-up by the solar wind in the dayside ionosheath of Mars. Their average velocity as they reach the magnetic polar regions of the planet is compared with in situ measurements of the Mars Express spacecraft. We find that the velocity of O+ ions measured over t…