First estimations of gravity wave potential energy in the Martian thermosphere: an analysis using MAVEN NGIMS data

First estimations of Gravity Wave Potential Energy (GWPE) for Martian thermosphere are reported herein using the height profile of CO2 density derived temperature fluctuations for different Martian seasons during the 33rd Martian year. Explicit diurnal evolution of GWPE (52 degrees to 73 degrees latitude bin) with a post sunset maximum is delineated for summer. The higher values of GWPE are observed during morning, compared to post-midnight (35 degrees to 55 degrees latitude bin) for summer. As latitude increases from 16 degrees to 45 degrees, GWPE (1-4 LT bin) is found to be nearly doubled for summer. Further, GWPE estimates in autumn are 6 times higher during night compared to day (-45 degrees to -72 degrees latitude bin) and day time (-53 degrees to -72 degrees latitude bin) GWPE is much lower in autumn compared to spring for all longitudes. Overall, from the available data, southern autumn daytime periods appear better suited for aero-braking operations of Martian landing missions.