Simulation study of Solar Wind interaction with Mercury's magnetosphere
Résumé
The interaction of the Hermean magnetosphere and the Solar Wind is investigated using a 3-dimensional parallel multi-species hybrid model. In the simulation, it is assumed that Mercury is at its Aphelion and the IMF orientation is the orientation reported by MESSENGER during its first flyby. The principal regions of this interaction are reproduced by the hybrid model and the electromagnetic field spatial variations are described as well. This model represents a strong tool to study Mercury's plasma environment.