Jupiter's Ionosphere: Prospects for Pioneer 10

Abstract

Model Jovian ionospheres are constructed for comparison with Pioneer 10 results. Electron density maxima are predicted at a level approximately 220 kilometers above an assumed reference height where the hydrogen density is 10¹⁶ molecules per cubic centimeter. It may be possible to use observations of the electron density to locate the turbopause. Attention is drawn to a possible strong source of ionized sodium from lo which might lead to large electron densities at low altitudes.