Electromagnetic Wave Propagation in the Martian Ionosphere

Abstract

The paper deals with some aspects of electromagnetic wave propagation in the Martian ionosphere. Using recent data, the effective collision frequency and high frequency conductivity have been calculated for all the three models, namely F₂, F₁ and E. The real part of the complex refractive index is then calculated for ν_eff = 0 and ν_eff ≠ 0. The results are then discussed in some detail and it is concluded that propagation of electromagnetic waves below 100 kHz range is not possible through the Martian ionosphere.