Using Forbush decreases at Earth and Mars to measure the radial evolution of ICMEs

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan von Forstner ◽  
Jingnan Guo ◽  
Robert F. Wimmer-Schweingruber ◽  
Mateja Dumbović ◽  
Miho Janvier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Solar Wind ◽  
Solar System ◽  
Arrival Time ◽  
Galactic Cosmic Rays ◽  
Space Physics ◽  
Analytical Models ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections ◽  
Forbush Decreases

<p>Interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs), large clouds of plasma and magnetic field regularly expelled from the Sun, are one of the main drivers of space weather effects in the solar system. While the prediction of their arrival time at Earth and other locations in the heliosphere is still a complex task, it is also necessary to further understand the time evolution of their geometric and magnetic structure, which is even more challenging considering the limited number of available observation points.</p><p>Forbush decreases (FDs), short-term drops in the flux of galactic cosmic rays (GCR), can be caused by the shielding from strong and/or turbulent magnetic structures in the solar wind, such as ICMEs and their associated shock/sheath regions. In the past, FD observations have often been used to determine the arrival times of ICMEs at different locations in the solar system, especially where sufficient solar wind plasma and magnetic field measurements are not (or not always) available. One of these locations is Mars, where the Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) onboard the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission's Curiosity rover has been continuously measuring GCRs and FDs on the surface for more than 7 years.</p><p>In this work, we investigate whether FD data can be used to derive additional information about the ICME properties than just the arrival time by performing a statistical study based on catalogs of FDs observed at Earth or Mars. In particular, we find that the linear correlation between the FD amplitude and the maximum steepness, which was already seen at Earth by previous authors (Belov et al., 2008, Abunin et al., 2012), is likewise present at Mars, but with a different proprtionality factor.</p><p>By consulting physics-based analytical models of FDs, we find that this quantity is not expected to be influenced by the different energy ranges of GCR particles observed by the instruments at Earth and Mars. Instead, we suggest that the difference in FD characteristics at the two planets is caused by the radial enlargement of the ICMEs, and particularly their sheath regions, as they propagate from Earth (1 AU) to Mars (~ 1.5 AU). This broadening factor derived from our analysis extends observations for the evolution closer to the Sun by Janvier et al. (2019, JGR Space Physics) to larger heliocentric distances and is consistent with these results.</p>

Radial evolution of magnetic field fluctuations in an ICME sheath

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Good ◽  
Matti Ala-Lahti ◽  
Erika Palmerio ◽  
Emilia Kilpua ◽  
Adnane Osmane
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Solar Wind ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Permutation Entropy ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections ◽  
Field Fluctuations ◽  
Fluctuation Amplitude ◽  
Radial Evolution

<p>The sheaths of compressed solar wind that precede interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) commonly display large-amplitude magnetic field fluctuations. As ICMEs propagate radially from the Sun, the properties of these fluctuations may evolve significantly. We present a case study of an ICME sheath observed by a pair of radially aligned spacecraft at around 0.5 and 1 AU from the Sun. Radial changes in fluctuation amplitude, compressibility, inertial-range spectral slope, permutation entropy, Jensen-Shannon complexity, and planar structuring are characterised.  We discuss the extent to which the observed evolution in the fluctuations is similar to that of solar wind emanating from steady sources at quiet times, how the evolution may be influenced by evolving local factors such as leading-edge shock orientation, and how the perturbed heliospheric environment associated with ICME propagation may impact the evolution more generally.</p>

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.

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.

scholarly journals Cosmic Ray Evidence for the Magnetic Configuration of the Heliosphere

1981 ◽  
Vol 94 ◽  
pp. 397-398
Author(s):  
H. S. Ahluwalia
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Solar Wind ◽  
Cosmic Rays ◽  
Cosmic Ray ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Ground Level Enhancement ◽  
Solar Cosmic Rays ◽  
Pile Up ◽  
Scattered Component

Sekido and Murakami (1958) proposed the existence of the heliosphere to explain the scattered component of the solar cosmic rays. The heliosphere of their conception is a spherical shell around the sun. The shell contains a highly-irregular magnetic field and serves to scatter the cosmic rays emitted by the sun. It thereby gives rise to an isotropic component of solar cosmic rays, following the maximum in the ground level enhancement (GLE). Meyer et al. (1956) showed that a similar picture applies to the GLE of 23 February 1956. They conclude that the inner and outer radii of the shell should be 1.4 AU and 5 AU respectively. They suggest that a shell is formed by the “pile-up” of the solar wind under pressure exerted by the interstellar magnetic field, as suggested by Davis (1955).

scholarly journals Plasma Flow and Solar Wind Acceleration in Non-Radial Coronal Magnetic Fields

1983 ◽  
Vol 102 ◽  
pp. 473-477
Author(s):  
H. Biernat ◽  
N. Kömle ◽  
H. Rucker
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Solar Wind ◽  
Plasma Flow ◽  
Coronal Holes ◽  
Expansion Velocity ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Solar Wind Acceleration ◽  
Coronal Magnetic Fields ◽  
Field Lines ◽  
The Magnetic Field

In the vicinity of the Sun — especially above coronal holes — the magnetic field lines show strong non-radial divergence and considerable curvature (see e.g. Kopp and Holzer, 1976; Munro and Jackson, 1977; Ripken, 1977). In the following we study the influence of these characteristics on the expansion velocity of the solar wind.

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