Do Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) Events Influence the Formation of the V 0 Layer in the Venusian Ionosphere?

This study investigates the potential impact of Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs) on the V 0 layer of the Venus ionosphere. Electron density profiles obtained from radio occultation experiments conducted by the Venus Express (VEX) and Akatsuki missions were utilized for this purpose. Background data from the Analyzer of Space Plasma and EneRgetic Atoms (ASPERA‐4) aboard VEX were used to detect SEP events. Additionally, observations from the Space Environment Monitor (SEM) suite onboard the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) during alignments of Venus, Earth, and the Sun were also considered. Our findings indicate that while SEPs may contribute to the formation of the V 0 layer, they are not the main driving force in the Venusian ionosphere. The Venusian ionosphere shows sporadic enhancements in electron density around 110 km altitude. Despite extensive investigation, the exact cause of its sporadic presence remains elusive. Previous studies have explored various theories, including meteoric influences, gravity waves, and the impact of minor atmospheric constituents such as NO, O 2 , C, Ar, H 2 , and H. However, none have conclusively explained its formation mechanism. In this study, we have investigated the potential influence of Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs) on the V 0 layer. By analyzing electron density profiles obtained from VEX/Akatsuki missions, hot plasma measurements by ASPERA‐4 onboard VEX, and SEM suite onboard GOES to identify SEP events, we surmise that while SEPs may contribute to the formation of the V 0 layer, they are not the primary driving force in the Venusian ionosphere. The Impact of solar energetic particle (SEP) events on the formation of V 0 layers in the Venusian ionosphere has been explored Enhanced ionization is seen above the V 2 layer peak whenever a V 0 layer seen in the Venus ionosphere SEPs and enhanced ionization at 110 km altitudes, however, are not correlated