scholarly journals Domains of Magnetic Pressure Balance in Parker Solar Probe Observations of the Solar Wind

2021 ◽  
Vol 923 (2) ◽  
pp. 158
Author(s):  
David Ruffolo ◽  
Nawin Ngampoopun ◽  
Yash R. Bhora ◽  
Panisara Thepthong ◽  
Peera Pongkitiwanichakul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Solar Wind ◽  
Density Fluctuations ◽  
Magnetic Pressure ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Thin Domains ◽  
Pressure Balance ◽  
Filling Fraction ◽  
The Mean

Abstract The Parker Solar Probe (PSP) spacecraft is performing the first in situ exploration of the solar wind within 0.2 au of the Sun. Initial observations confirmed the Alfvénic nature of aligned fluctuations of the magnetic field B and velocity V in solar wind plasma close to the Sun, in domains of nearly constant magnetic field magnitude ∣ B ∣, i.e., approximate magnetic pressure balance. Such domains are interrupted by particularly strong fluctuations, including but not limited to radial field (polarity) reversals, known as switchbacks. It has been proposed that nonlinear Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities form near magnetic boundaries in the nascent solar wind leading to extensive shear-driven dynamics, strong turbulent fluctuations including switchbacks, and mixing layers that involve domains of approximate magnetic pressure balance. In this work we identify and analyze various aspects of such domains using data from the first five PSP solar encounters. The filling fraction of domains, a measure of Alfvénicity, varies from median values of 90% within 0.2 au to 38% outside 0.9 au, with strong fluctuations. We find an inverse association between the mean domain duration and plasma β. We examine whether the mean domain duration is also related to the crossing time of spatial structures frozen into the solar wind flow for extreme cases of the aspect ratio. Our results are inconsistent with long, thin domains aligned along the radial or Parker spiral direction, and compatible with isotropic domains, which is consistent with prior observations of isotropic density fluctuations or flocculae in the solar wind.

scholarly journals The mean magnetic field of the Sun: Observations at Stanford

Solar Physics ◽  
1977 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 353-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip H. Scherrer ◽  
John M. Wilcox ◽  
Leif Svalgaard ◽  
Thomas L. Duvall ◽  
Phil H. Dittmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
The Sun ◽  
The Mean

scholarly journals An operational solar wind prediction system transitioning fundamental science to operations

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. A39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingjing Wang ◽  
Xianzhi Ao ◽  
Yuming Wang ◽  
Chuanbing Wang ◽  
Yanxia Cai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Solar Wind ◽  
Arrival Time ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Maximum Speed ◽  
Source Surface ◽  
Prediction System ◽  
Fundamental Science ◽  
Cone Model ◽  
The Mean

We present in this paper an operational solar wind prediction system. The system is an outcome of the collaborative efforts between scientists in research communities and forecasters at Space Environment Prediction Center (SEPC) in China. This system is mainly composed of three modules: (1) a photospheric magnetic field extrapolation module, along with the Wang-Sheeley-Arge (WSA) empirical method, to obtain the background solar wind speed and the magnetic field strength on the source surface; (2) a modified Hakamada-Akasofu-Fry (HAF) kinematic module for simulating the propagation of solar wind structures in the interplanetary space; and (3) a coronal mass ejection (CME) detection module, which derives CME parameters using the ice-cream cone model based on coronagraph images. By bridging the gap between fundamental science and operational requirements, our system is finally capable of predicting solar wind conditions near Earth, especially the arrival times of the co-rotating interaction regions (CIRs) and CMEs. Our test against historical solar wind data from 2007 to 2016 shows that the hit rate (HR) of the high-speed enhancements (HSEs) is 0.60 and the false alarm rate (FAR) is 0.30. The mean error (ME) and the mean absolute error (MAE) of the maximum speed for the same period are −73.9 km s−1 and 101.2 km s−1, respectively. Meanwhile, the ME and MAE of the arrival time of the maximum speed are 0.15 days and 1.27 days, respectively. There are 25 CMEs simulated and the MAE of the arrival time is 18.0 h.

MHD and Ion Kinetic Waves in Field-aligned Flows Observed by Parker Solar Probe

2021 ◽  
Vol 922 (2) ◽  
pp. 188
Author(s):  
L.-L. Zhao ◽  
G. P. Zank ◽  
J. S. He ◽  
D. Telloni ◽  
L. Adhikari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Solar Wind ◽  
Whistler Wave ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Fast Mode ◽  
Magnetic Fluctuations ◽  
Background Magnetic Field ◽  
Ion Cyclotron

Abstract Parker Solar Probe (PSP) observed predominately Alfvénic fluctuations in the solar wind near the Sun where the magnetic field tends to be radially aligned. In this paper, two magnetic-field-aligned solar wind flow intervals during PSP’s first two orbits are analyzed. Observations of these intervals indicate strong signatures of parallel/antiparallel-propagating waves. We utilize multiple analysis techniques to extract the properties of the observed waves in both magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) and kinetic scales. At the MHD scale, outward-propagating Alfvén waves dominate both intervals, and outward-propagating fast magnetosonic waves present the second-largest contribution in the spectral energy density. At kinetic scales, we identify the circularly polarized plasma waves propagating near the proton gyrofrequency in both intervals. However, the sense of magnetic polarization in the spacecraft frame is observed to be opposite in the two intervals, although they both possess a sunward background magnetic field. The ion-scale plasma wave observed in the first interval can be either an inward-propagating ion cyclotron wave (ICW) or an outward-propagating fast-mode/whistler wave in the plasma frame, while in the second interval it can be explained as an outward ICW or inward fast-mode/whistler wave. The identification of the exact kinetic wave mode is more difficult to confirm owing to the limited plasma data resolution. The presence of ion-scale waves near the Sun suggests that ion cyclotron resonance may be one of the ubiquitous kinetic physical processes associated with small-scale magnetic fluctuations and kinetic instabilities in the inner heliosphere.

The Sun

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna D. Haigh ◽  
Peter Cargill
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Solar Wind ◽  
Solar Atmosphere ◽  
Space Weather ◽  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Base Level ◽  
Earth’S Climate ◽  
The Magnetic Field ◽  
Terrestrial Magnetic Field

This chapter discusses how there are four general factors that contribute to the Sun's potential role in variations in the Earth's climate. First, the fusion processes in the solar core determine the solar luminosity and hence the base level of radiation impinging on the Earth. Second, the presence of the solar magnetic field leads to radiation at ultraviolet (UV), extreme ultraviolet (EUV), and X-ray wavelengths which can affect certain layers of the atmosphere. Third, the variability of the magnetic field over a 22-year cycle leads to significant changes in the radiative output at some wavelengths. Finally, the interplanetary manifestation of the outer solar atmosphere (the solar wind) interacts with the terrestrial magnetic field, leading to effects commonly called space weather.

scholarly journals The evolution of inverted magnetic fields through the inner heliosphere

2020 ◽  
Vol 494 (3) ◽  
pp. 3642-3655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan R Macneil ◽  
Mathew J Owens ◽  
Robert T Wicks ◽  
Mike Lockwood ◽  
Sarah N Bentley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Solar Wind ◽  
Radial Distance ◽  
Occurrence Rate ◽  
Slow Solar Wind ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Radial Evolution ◽  
In Transit ◽  
The Magnetic Field ◽  
Inner Heliosphere

ABSTRACT Local inversions are often observed in the heliospheric magnetic field (HMF), but their origins and evolution are not yet fully understood. Parker Solar Probe has recently observed rapid, Alfvénic, HMF inversions in the inner heliosphere, known as ‘switchbacks’, which have been interpreted as the possible remnants of coronal jets. It has also been suggested that inverted HMF may be produced by near-Sun interchange reconnection; a key process in mechanisms proposed for slow solar wind release. These cases suggest that the source of inverted HMF is near the Sun, and it follows that these inversions would gradually decay and straighten as they propagate out through the heliosphere. Alternatively, HMF inversions could form during solar wind transit, through phenomena such velocity shears, draping over ejecta, or waves and turbulence. Such processes are expected to lead to a qualitatively radial evolution of inverted HMF structures. Using Helios measurements spanning 0.3–1 au, we examine the occurrence rate of inverted HMF, as well as other magnetic field morphologies, as a function of radial distance r, and find that it continually increases. This trend may be explained by inverted HMF observed between 0.3 and 1 au being primarily driven by one or more of the above in-transit processes, rather than created at the Sun. We make suggestions as to the relative importance of these different processes based on the evolution of the magnetic field properties associated with inverted HMF. We also explore alternative explanations outside of our suggested driving processes which may lead to the observed trend.

scholarly journals A new formulation for the ionospheric cross polar cap potential including saturation effects

2005 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. 3533-3547 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. Ridley
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Solar Wind ◽  
Mach Number ◽  
Interplanetary Magnetic Field ◽  
Polar Cap ◽  
Pressure Balance ◽  
Simple Modification ◽  
Post Shock ◽  
Cross Polar Cap Potential ◽  
New Formulation

Abstract. It is known that the ionospheric cross polar cap potential (CPCP) saturates when the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz becomes very large. Few studies have offered physical explanations as to why the polar cap potential saturates. We present 13 events in which the reconnection electric field (REF) goes above 12mV/m at some time. When these events are examined as typically done in previous studies, all of them show some signs of saturation (i.e., over-prediction of the CPCP based on a linear relationship between the IMF and the CPCP). We show that by taking into account the size of the magnetosphere and the fact that the post-shock magnetic field strength is strongly dependent upon the solar wind Mach number, we can better specify the ionospheric CPCP. The CPCP (Φ) can be expressed as Φ=(10-4v2+11.7B(1-e-Ma/3)sin3(θ/2)) {rms/9 (where v is the solar wind velocity, B is the combined Y and Z components of the interplanetary magnetic field, Ma is the solar wind Mach number, θ=acos(Bz/B), and rms is the stand-off distance to the magnetopause, assuming pressure-balance between the solar wind and the magnetosphere). This is a simple modification of the original Boyle et al. (1997) formulation.

scholarly journals The Polar Fields and Time Fluctuations of the General Magnetic Field of the Sun

1971 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 675-695 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. B. Severny
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Close Agreement ◽  
Present Knowledge ◽  
Short Time Scale ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Statistical Nature ◽  
General Magnetic Field ◽  
Short Period ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Short Time

In an attempt to summarize the present knowledge on the general magnetic field (gmf) of the Sun we pointed out the fine structure and the statistical nature of the gmf as one of its most important properties. The dipole-like behaviour of the mean polar field strengths is combined sometimes (since 1964) with a bias of the S-polarity flux for both poles. Highly uneven distribution of gmf with latitude and longitude, the disappearance of gmf at the South pole for months, and short period, almost synchronous at both poles, variations in the sign of gmf are pointed out. The fluctuations with time of the mean magnetic field of the Sun seen as a star (as well as mf at different latitudes) shows periodicity connected with the rotation of the Sun and very close agreement with the fluctuations of the interplanetary field (sector structure). The effect of faster rotation of N-polarities as compared with S-polarities as well as the bias of mean solar as well as interplanetary S-polarity fields are also pointed out. The possibility of short time-scale (hours) intrinsic changes in the local pattern of gmf is demonstrated.

The Magnetosphere of Uranus

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Cao ◽  
Carol Paty
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Solar Wind ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Hubble Space Telescope ◽  
Planetary Science ◽  
Rotational Axis ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Forthcoming Article ◽  
The North ◽  
Voyager 2

This is an advance summary of a forthcoming article in the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Planetary Science. Please check back later for the full article. A magnetosphere is formed by the interaction between the magnetic field of a planet and the high-speed solar wind. Those planets with a magnetosphere have an intrinsic magnetic field such as Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn. Mars, especially, has no global magnetosphere, but evidence shows that a paleo-magnetosphere existed billions of years ago and was dampened then due to some reasons such as the change of internal activity. A magnetosphere is very important for the habitable environment of a planet because it provides the foremost and only protection for the planet from the energetic solar wind radiation. The majority of planets with a magnetosphere in our solar system have been studied for decades except for Uranus and Neptune, which are known as ice giant planets. This is because they are too far away from us (about 19 AU from the Sun), which means they are very difficult to directly detect. Compared to many other space detections to other planets, for example, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and some of their moons, the only single fly-by measurement was made by the Voyager 2 spacecraft in the 1980s. The data it sent back to us showed that Uranus has a very unusual magnetosphere, which indicated that Uranus has a very large obliquity, which means its rotational axis is about 97.9° away from the north direction, with a relative rapid (17.24 hours) daily rotation. Besides, the magnetic axis is tilted 59° away from its rotational axis, and the magnetic dipole of the planet is off center, shifting 1/3 radii of Uranus toward its geometric south pole. Due to these special geometric and magnetic structures, Uranus has an extremely dynamic and asymmetric magnetosphere. Some remote observations revealed that the aurora emission from the surface of Uranus distributed at low latitude locations, which has rarely happened on other planets. Meanwhile, it indicated that solar wind plays a significant impact on the surface of Uranus even if the distance from the Sun is much farther than that of many other planets. A recent study, using numerical simulation, showed that Uranus has a “Switch-like” magnetosphere that allows its global magnetosphere to open and close periodically with the planetary rotation. In this article, we will review the historic studies of Uranus’s magnetosphere and then summarize the current progress in this field. Specifically, we will discuss the Voyager 2 spacecraft measurement, the ground-based and space-based observations such as Hubble Space Telescope, and the cutting-edge numerical simulations on it. We believe that the current progress provides important scientific context to boost future ice giant detection.

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