First Observation of Lower Hybrid Drift Waves at the Edge of the Current Sheet in the Martian Magnetotail

Abstract

Abstract Lower hybrid drift waves are commonly observed at plasma boundaries, playing an important role in plasma dynamics. Such waves have been widely investigated in the terrestrial magnetosphere but have never been reported in other planetary environments. Here, using the measurements from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN mission, we present the first observation of electromagnetic lower hybrid drift waves at the edge of the current sheet on the dusk side of the Martian magnetotail, which should be locally excited rather than propagated from other regions. These plasma waves are associated with significant density gradients and magnetic field gradients. Based on the measured local plasma parameters and the sufficient condition for lower hybrid drift instability to be excited, we find that the proton density gradient is sharp enough to excite the lower hybrid drift instability. The analysis of the existence condition for lower hybrid drift instability indicates that these lower hybrid drift waves at the edge of the current sheet are generated through lower hybrid drift instability. The above results can improve our understanding of Mars’ magnetospheric dynamics.