Wave Processes in the Dusty Plasma at Phobos and Deimos

Abstract

Linear and nonlinear waves in the near-surface plasma at Phobos and Deimos are considered. It is shown that the motion of the solar wind relative to photoelectrons and charged dust grains violates the isotropy of the electron distribution function in the near-surface plasma at the Martian satellites, which leads to the development of instability and excitation of high-frequency waves with frequencies in the range of Langmuir and electromagnetic waves. Moreover, the propagation of dust acoustic waves, which can be excited, e.g., in the terminator regions of the Martian satellites, is possible. Solutions corresponding to the parameters of the plasma–dust systems over the illuminated parts of the Phobos and Deimos surfaces are found in the form of dust acoustic solitons. The ranges of possible Mach numbers and soliton amplitudes are determined.