What does the solar wind do to the atmosphere of Venus?
Spacecraft observations confirm the existence of an induced magnetosphere where the solar wind interacts directly with the planet’s ionosphere ions and electrons. Though no Earth like magnetotail or trapped radiation belts have been detected, the Venusian field possesses a number of similar attributes to a traditional dynamo generated field. These include: 1) An ionopause where the solar wind pressure is just balanced by the ionosphere thermal energy. During periods of high solar activity, the ionopause boundary can dip to within 250km of the surface. 2) A bow shock who’s radius from the planet changes significantly as a function of solar activity, formed up stream in the solar direction.
