Instrument Information
IDENTIFIER urn:nasa:pds:context:instrument:pvo.omag::2.2
NAME Fluxgate Magnetometer (OMAG) for Pioneer Venus
TYPE Magnetometer
DESCRIPTION The Fluxgate Magnetometer (OMAG) for Pioneer Venus operates with two ring-core sensors at the end of a 4.7-meter magnetometer boom and an additional sensor oriented at 45 degrees, is built upon the successful engineering principles utilized in previous Apollo missions. The primary objectives are to elucidate the presence of planetary and remnant magnetic fields, investigate the configuration and intensity of the ionospheric current system, analyze the energy and mass distribution in Venus's upper atmosphere, and explore solar wind interactions. Additionally, the instrument aims to characterize the Venusian near-wake region and the structure of the bow shock, as well as to assess the solar wind perturbations in the vicinity of Venus at different astronomical units (AU). The magnetometer architecture integrates three units: an electronics unit, an inboard sensor assembly, and an outboard sensor assembly, achieving a total mass of 2 kg with advanced operational capabilities. The magnetometers leverage a feedback-controlled triaxial fluxgate mechanism, enabling measurement resolution down to 1/16 gamma and accommodating varying sampling rates?critical during different mission phases. This research yields essential data, contributing to the fundamental understanding of Venus's space environment and the broader dynamics of solar system interactions, culminating in significant findings up to the last full orbital data collection on October 16, 1988.
MODEL IDENTIFIER
NAIF INSTRUMENT IDENTIFIER
SERIAL NUMBER not applicable
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[see ELPHICETAL1980A]

Gordon, D.I., and R.E. Brown, Recent Advances in Fluxgate Magnetometry, IEEE Trans. on Magnetics, Vol. MAG-8, 76, 1972.

Russell, C.T., 'The magnetic moment of Venus: Venera-4 measurements reinterpreted,' Geophys. Res. Lett., vol. 3, p. 125, 1976.

Russell, C.T., The ISEE 1 and 2 fluxgate magnetometers, IEEE Trans. Geosci. Electro., GE-16, P. 239, 1978.

Russell, C.T., R.C. Elphic, and J.A. Slavin, 'On the strength of the Venus bow shock', Nature, 1979.

Russell, C.T., R.C. Elphic, and J.A. Slavin, 'Initial Pioneer Venus magnetic field results: Dayside observations', Science, vol. 203, p. 745, 1979.

Russell, C.T., and R.C. Elphic, 'Observation of magnetic flux ropes in Venus ionosphere', Nature, vol. 279, p. 616, 1979.

Russell, C.T., R.C. Elphic, and J.A. Slavin, 'Initial Pioneer Venus magnetic field results: Nightside observations', Science, vol 205, p. 114, 1979.

Russell, C.T., R.C. Snare, J.D. Means, and R.C. Elphic, 'Pioneer Venus Orbiter Fluxgate Magnetometer', Ieee Trans. Geo. Elec., Vol. GE 18, No. 1 p. 32, 1980.

Slavin, J.A., R.C. Elphic, and C.T. Russell, 'A comparison of Pioneer Venus and Venera bow shock observations: Evidence for a solar cycle variation', Geophys. Res. Lett., 1979.

Slavin, J.A., R.C. Elphic, C.T. Russell, J.H. Wolfe, and D.S. Intriligator, 'Position and shape of the Venus bow shock: Pioneer Venus orbiter magnetometer observations', Geophys. Res. Lett., 1979.

Smith, E.J., L. Davis, Jr., P.J. Coleman, Jr., and C.P. Sonett, Science, vol. 139, p. 909, 1963.

Snare, R.C. and J.D. Means, A Magnetometer for the Pioneer Venus Orbiter, IEEE Trans. Magnetics, vol. MAG-13(5), 1107, (REPLACED BY SNARE&MEANS1977), 1977.