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Wavelet analysis of ULF waves in the mercury's magnetosphere

Ultra-low-frequency (ULF) waves have been observed in the Mercury's magnetosphere. In this work, Mariner-10 and MESSENGER high resolution magnetic field data are studied with wavelet analysis. Two ULF wave intervals have been selected: 29 March 1974 (Mariner-10) and 14 January 2008 (MESSENGER). Non-stationary oscillations, with strong amplitude and narrow bandwidth have been found. The Mariner-10 ULF wave interval showed periods of ∼1.5-3.0 s, and the MESSENGER ULF wave interval had periods of ∼0.5-1.0 s. These periods of ULF waves are slightly longer than the proton gyroperiods (∼0.8 and ∼0.5 s, respectively). Therefore, these waves are most likely kinetic, not magnetohydrodynamic waves.

Mercury's magnetosphere; ULF waves; wavelet analysis


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