Automatic Identification Of Venus Plasma Boundaries

• Grant number: 23/01224-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• Start date: July 10, 2023
• End date: January 09, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Geophysics
• Principal Investigator: Ezequiel Echer
• Grantee: João Carlos de Moura Castro Neto
• Supervisor: Markus Fraenz
• Host Institution: Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE). São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Max Planck Society, Gottingen, Germany
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/06927-8 - Study of ultra low frequency waves in the magnetosheath of Venus, BP.MS

Abstract

This project aims to automate the identification of the plasma boundaries of the induced magnetosphere of Venus using machine learning methods. The induced magnetosphere is formed through solar wind interaction with the planetary upper atmosphere. The Venus Express (VEX) mission data (2006-2014), including electron density and magnetic field data from the ASPERA-4 and MAG instruments, respectively, will be analyzed using machine learning methods in a language program. In this study, algorithms for identifying plasma boundaries will be developed. Further, a comparison of the results provided by applying the algorithms with a manual catalog created using a visual and manual identification process will be done. The project's main objective is to create a more efficient and accurate method for identifying plasma boundaries, which could potentially be applied to other planetary missions. The Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research will supply the data, and the foreign supervisor, Dr. Markus Fränz will play a crucial role in the development and implementation of the study. The data analysis tool CCATi, developed by Dr. Fraenz and his team, will also be utilized in the study.