E. Dubinin
Max-Planck Institute for Solar System Research,
Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany
Magnetosphere of Mars is unique in our Solar system. Due to the presence of the extended hydrogen corona, the interaction with solar wind starts far from the planet. This brings some interesting features of solar wind/comet interaction. Strong interaction with the Martian ionosphere leads to the formation of the induced magnetosphere formed by the draped interplanetary magnetic field lines, similar to what we observe on Venus. Local crustal mgnetizations inroduce such elements as cusps, aurora etc typical for an intrinsic, Earth-like magnetosphere.