Solar wind interaction, structure, and dynamics of the outer planet magnetospheres: A report on the ongoing activities of two ISSI teams

In 2015 two teams of scientists were selected by the International Space Science Institute (ISSI) in Bern with similar goals of understanding the nature of the solar wind interaction with the magnetospheres of Jupiter and Saturn and the resulting structure and dynamics of the magnetospheric boundary regions. The team “How does the Solar Wind Influence the Giant Planet Magnetospheres?” is led by Marissa Vogt and Adam Masters and the team “Structure and Dynamics of Jupiter’s Magnetosphere and Boundary Regions” is led by Caitriona Jackman and Chris Paranicas. Because these two teams share several overlapping scientific goals the teams decided to combine activities and hold a joint first meeting, which occurred in April 2016. The second team meeting will also be a joint meeting of the two teams and will be held in September 2017. Some of the outstanding research questions that the teams have been addressing include: “How do processes like magnetic reconnection and the viscous interaction at the Jovian and Saturnian magnetopauses compare to the same processes at Earth’s magnetopause?” and “Is there evidence that the solar wind drives tail reconnection at Jupiter and Saturn? If so, what process (dayside reconnection, solar wind compression) is responsible?” Here we report on some of the initial team activities, which include data analysis, modeling, and theory. Additionally, we will take this opportunity to solicit input from the wider MOP community before the second team meeting.