Sustained Magnetic Connections from L1: IMAP Science with Planetary Transfers and Hohmann-Parker Resonance Orbits

Abstract:

Simultaneous heliospheric observations of particles, fields, and plasma on closely connected interplanetary magnetic field lines at large (~AU) distances from one another have large potential for addressing many critical science problems in Heliophysics. These include investigations into particle acceleration and transport, the magnetic structure of the inner heliosphere, and solar wind turbulence. We have determined that spacecraft launched from Earth towards Mars and Venus following a Hohmann minimum energy transfer trajectory provide such opportunities as they have a strong tendency to remain well-connected magnetically to Earth (L1) via the Parker magnetic field in the heliosphere. Along with the finding that magnetic connections also established on the return journeys we refer to this circumstance as the Hohmann-Parker effect. Thus, IMAP placement at L1 would have obvious advantages for human exploration missions to and from Mars. In particular the early mission phases of current and future science missions such as MSL, MAVEN, Solar Orbiter, Mars 2020 and beyond provide opportunities for Heliophysics science gain. We already have predicted and confirmed consequences of the effect as correlated high-energy particle parameters at L1 and MSL. We will reiterate predictions and make WSA-ENLIL simulations for the MAVEN s/c orbital path during its transfer from Earth to Mars in 2013/2014. Moreover, we predict the existence of Hohmann-Parker resonance orbits that reestablish HP-effect conditions and evaluate and compare the science value of various resonance orbits. Smallsat missions on such resonance orbits in combination with IMAP would in the future provide us with enormous recurring science potential to solve key Heliophysics science questions.