The Mars Orbiter Magnetometer of Tianwen-1: In-flight Performance and First Science Results

TL;DR

The Tianwen-1 Mars orbiter's magnetometer (MOMAG) effectively measures magnetic fields around Mars, providing valuable data that confirms modeled bow shock locations and reveals dynamic variations, enhancing understanding of Mars' plasma environment.

Contribution

This paper presents the first in-flight performance assessment and initial scientific findings of MOMAG, demonstrating its accuracy and utility in studying Martian magnetic phenomena.

Findings

MOMAG's magnetic field measurements are consistent with MAVEN data.

158 bow shock crossings identified, matching modeled locations.

Evidence of dynamic bow shock behavior at the Martian flanks.

Abstract

Mars Orbiter MAGnetometer (MOMAG) is a scientifc instrument onboard the orbiter of China's first mission for Mars -- Tianwen-1. It started to routinely measure the magnetic field from the solar wind to magnetic pile-up region surrounding Mars since November 13, 2021. Here we present its in-flight performance and first science results based on the first one and a half months' data. By comparing with the magnetic field data in the solar wind from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN), the magnetic field by MOMAG is at the same level in magnitude, and the same magnetic structures with the similar variations in three components could be found in MOMAG data. In the first one and a half months, we recognize 158 clear bow shock (BS) crossings from MOMAG data, whose locations statistically match well with the modeled average BS. We also identify 5 pairs of simultaneous BS crossings of the Tianwen-1's orbiter and MAVEN. These BS crossings confirm the global shape of modeled BS as well as the south-north asymmetry of the Martian BS. Two presented cases in this paper suggest that the BS is probably more dynamic at flank than near the nose. So far, MOMAG performs well, and provides accurate magnetic field vectors. MOMAG is continuously scanning the magnetic field surrounding Mars. These measurements complemented by observations from MAVEN will undoubtedly advance our understanding of the plasma environment of Mars.