Flux tubes and energetic particles in Parker Solar Probe orbit 5: magnetic helicity - PVI method and ISOIS observations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Pecora ◽  
Sergio Servidio ◽  
Antonella Greco ◽  
Stuart D. Bale ◽  
David J. McComas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Solar Wind ◽  
Magnetic Flux ◽  
Magnetic Reconnection ◽  
Energetic Particle ◽  
Plasma Turbulence ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Flux Tubes ◽  
Particle Measurements ◽  
The Magnetic Field

<p>Plasma turbulence can be viewed as a magnetic landscape populated by large- and small-scale coherent structures, consisting notionally of magnetic flux tubes and their boundaries. Such structures exist over a wide range of scales and exhibit diverse morphology and plasma properties.  Moreover, interactions of particles with turbulence may involve temporary trapping in, as well as exclusion from, certain regions of space, generally controlled by the topology and connectivity of the magnetic field.  In some cases, such as SEP "dropouts'' the influence of the magnetic structure is dramatic; in other cases, it is more subtle, as in edge effects in SEP confinement. With Parker Solar Probe now closer to the sun than any previous mission, novel opportunities are available for examination of the relationship between magnetic flux structures and energetic particle populations. </p><p>We present a method that is able to characterize both the large- and small-scale structures of the turbulent solar wind, based on the combined use of a filtered magnetic helicity (H<sub>m</sub>) and the partial variance of increments (PVI). The synergistic combination with energetic particle measurements suggests whether these populations are either trapped within or excluded from the helical structure.</p><p>This simple, single-spacecraft technique exploits the natural tendency of flux tubes to assume a cylindrical symmetry of the magnetic field about a central axis. Moreover, large helical magnetic tubes might be separated by small-scale magnetic reconnection events (current sheets) and present magnetic discontinuity with the ambient solar wind. The method was first validated via direct numerical simulations of plasma turbulence and then applied to data from the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) mission. In particular, ISOIS energetic particle (EP) measurements along with FIELDS magnetic field measurements and SWEAP plasma moments, are enabling characterization of observations of EPs closer to their sources than ever before.<br> <br>This novel analysis, combining H<sub>m </sub>and PVI methods, reveals that a large number of flux tubes populate the solar wind and continuously merge in contact regions where magnetic reconnection and particle acceleration may occur. Moreover, the detection of boundaries, correlated with high-energy particle measurements, gives more insights into the nature of such helical structures as "excluding barriers'' suggesting a strong link between particle properties and fields topology. This research is partially supported by the Parker Solar Probe project. </p>

scholarly journals Mass and energy supply of a cool coronal loop near its apex

2018 ◽  
Vol 611 ◽  
pp. A49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Limei Yan ◽  
Hardi Peter ◽  
Jiansen He ◽  
Lidong Xia ◽  
Linghua Wang
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Flux ◽  
Magnetic Reconnection ◽  
Transition Region ◽  
Doppler Velocity ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Solar Dynamics Observatory ◽  
Plasma Properties ◽  
Flux Tubes ◽  
Magnetic Flux Tubes

Context. Different models for the heating of solar corona assume or predict different locations of the energy input: concentrated at the footpoints, at the apex, or uniformly distributed. The brightening of a loop could be due to the increase in electron density ne, the temperature T, or a mixture of both.Aim. We investigate possible reasons for the brightening of a cool loop at transition region temperatures through imaging and spectral observation.Methods. We observed a loop with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) and used the slit-jaw images together with spectra taken at a fixed slit position to study the evolution of plasma properties in and below the loop. We used spectra of Si iv, which forms at around 80 000 K in equilibrium, to identify plasma motions and derive electron densities from the ratio of inter-combination lines of O IV. Additional observations from the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) were employed to study the response at coronal temperatures (Atmospheric Imaging Assembly, AIA) and to investigate the surface magnetic field below the loop (Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager, HMI).Results. The loop first appears at transition region temperatures and later also at coronal temperatures, indicating a heating of the plasma in the loop. The appearance of hot plasma in the loop coincides with a possible accelerating upflow seen in Si IV, with the Doppler velocity shifting continuously from ~−70 km s−1 to ~−265 km s−1. The 3D magnetic field lines extrapolated from the HMI magnetogram indicate possible magnetic reconnection between small-scale magnetic flux tubes below or near the loop apex. At the same time, an additional intensity enhancement near the loop apex is visible in the IRIS slit-jaw images at 1400 Å. These observations suggest that the loop is probably heated by the interaction between the loop and the upflows, which are accelerated by the magnetic reconnection between small-scale magnetic flux tubes at lower altitudes. Before and after the possible heating phase, the intensity changes in the optically thin (Si IV) and optical thick line (C II) are mainly contributed by the density variation without significant heating.Conclusions. We therefore provide evidence for the heating of an envelope loop that is affected by accelerating upflows, which are probably launched by magnetic reconnection between small-scale magnetic flux tubes underneath the envelope loop. This study emphasizes that in the complex upper atmosphere of the Sun, the dynamics of the 3D coupled magnetic field and flow field plays a key role in thermalizing 1D structures such as coronal loops.

Structure functions analysis of sub-ion scale turbulent fluctuations and dissipation range in a magnetized plasma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Arrò ◽  
Francesco Califano ◽  
Giovanni Lapenta
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Reconnection ◽  
Plasma Turbulence ◽  
Structure Functions ◽  
Magnetized Plasma ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Turbulent Fluctuations ◽  
The Magnetic Field ◽  
Turbulent Cascade ◽  
Dissipation Range

<p>Turbulence in collisionless magnetized plasmas is a complex multi-scale process involving many decades of scales ranging from large magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) scales down to small ion and electron kinetic scales, associated with different physical regimes. It is well know that the MHD turbulent cascade is driven by the nonlinear interaction of low-frequency Alfvén waves but, on the other hand, the properties of plasma turbulence at sub-ion scales are not yet fully understood. In addition to a great variety of relatively high frequency modes such as kinetic Alfvén waves and whistler waves, magnetic reconnection has been suggested to be a key element in the development of kinetic scale turbulence because it allows for energy to be transferred from large scales directly into sub-ion scales through currents sheets disruption. In this context, an unusual reconnection mechanism driven exclusively by the electrons (with ions being demagnetized), called "electron-only reconnection", has been recently observed for the first time in the Earth’s magnetosheath and its role in plasma turbulence is still a matter of great debate. <br><br>Using 2D-3V hybrid Vlasov-Maxwell (HVM) simulations of freely decaying plasma turbulence, we investigate and compare the properties of the turbulence associated with standard ion-coupled reconnection and of the turbulence associated with electron-only reconnection [Califano et al., 2018]. By analyzing the structure functions of the turbulent magnetic field and ion fluid velocity fluctuations, we find that the turbulence associated with electron-only reconnection shows the same statistical features as the turbulence associated with standard ion-coupled reconnection and no peculiar signature related to electron-only reconnection is found in the turbulence statistics. This result suggests that the properties of the turbulent cascade in a magnetized plasma are independent of the specific mechanism associated with magnetic reconnection but depend only on the coupling between the magnetic field and the different particle species present in the system. Finally, the properties of the magnetic field dissipation range are discussed as well and we claim that its formation, and thus the dissipation of magnetic energy, is driven only by the small scale electron dynamics since ions are demagnetized in this range [Arró et al., 2020].<br><br>This work has received funding from the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 776262 (AIDA, www.aida-space.eu).<br><br>References:<br><br>G. Arró, F. Califano, and G. Lapenta. Statistical properties of turbulent fluctuations associated with electron-only magnetic reconnection. , 642:A45, Oct. 2020. doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202038696.<br><br>F. Califano, S. S. Cerri, M. Faganello, D. Laveder, M. Sisti, and M. W. Kunz. Electron-only magnetic reconnection in plasma turbulence. arXiv e-prints, art. arXiv:1810.03957, Oct. 2018.</p>

scholarly journals Magnetic Flux Concentration by Siphon Flows in Isolated Magnetic Flux Tubes

1990 ◽  
Vol 138 ◽  
pp. 263-266
Author(s):  
John H. Thomas ◽  
Benjamin Montesinos
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Flux ◽  
Magnetic Polarity ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Solar Photosphere ◽  
Flux Tubes ◽  
Magnetic Structures ◽  
Flux Concentration ◽  
Magnetic Flux Tubes ◽  
The Magnetic Field

Siphon flows along arched, isolated magnetic flux tubes, connecting photospheric footpoints of opposite magnetic polarity, cause a significant increase in the magnetic field strength of the flux tube due to the decreased internal gas pressure associated with the flow (the Bernoulli effect). These siphon flows offer a possible mechanism for producing intense, inclined, small-scale magnetic structures in the solar photosphere.

scholarly journals The Small-Scale Photospheric Magnetic Field as an Indicator of the Dynamo

1993 ◽  
Vol 141 ◽  
pp. 143-146
Author(s):  
K. Petrovay ◽  
G. Szakály
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Magnetic Flux ◽  
Observational Data ◽  
Convective Zone ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Dynamo Theory ◽  
Flux Tubes ◽  
Magnetic Flux Tubes ◽  
Surface Fields

AbstractThe presently widely accepted view that the solar dynamo operates near the base of the convective zone makes it difficult to relate the magnetic fields observed in the solar atmosphere to the fields in the dynamo layer. The large amount of observational data concerning photospheric magnetic fields could in principle be used to impose constraints on dynamo theory, but in order to infer these constraints the above mentioned “missing link” between the dynamo and surface fields should be found. This paper proposes such a link by modeling the passive vertical transport of thin magnetic flux tubes through the convective zone.

scholarly journals Solar and stellar magnetic flux tubes

1996 ◽  
Vol 176 ◽  
pp. 201-216
Author(s):  
Sami K. Solanki
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Properties ◽  
Magnetic Flux ◽  
Large Range ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Flux Tubes ◽  
Magnetic Elements ◽  
Turbulent Pressure ◽  
Magnetic Flux Tubes ◽  
The Magnetic Field

The magnetic field of the Sun is mainly concentrated into intense magnetic flux tubes having field strengths of the order of 1 kG. In this paper an overview is given of the thermal and magnetic properties of these flux tubes, which are known to exhibit a large range in size, from the smallest magnetic elements to sunspots. Differences and similarities between the largest and smallest features are stressed. Some thoughts are also presented on how the properties of magnetic flux tubes are expected to scale from the solar case to that of solar-like stars. For example, it is pointed out that on giants and supergiants turbulent pressure may dominate over gas pressure as the main confining agent of the magnetic field. Arguments are also presented in favour of a highly complex magnetic geometry on very active stars. Thus the very large starspots seen in Doppler images probably are conglomerates of smaller (but possibly still sizable) spots.

scholarly journals Comparative Study on Planetary Magnetosphere in the Solar System

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 1673
Author(s):  
Ching-Ming Lai ◽  
Jean-Fu Kiang
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Solar Wind ◽  
Solar System ◽  
Comparative Study ◽  
Magnetic Reconnection ◽  
Tilt Angle ◽  
Planetary Magnetosphere ◽  
Field Distributions ◽  
Mhd Simulations ◽  
The Magnetic Field

The magnetospheric responses to solar wind of Mercury, Earth, Jupiter and Uranus are compared via magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations. The tilt angle of each planetary field and the polarity of solar wind are also considered. Magnetic reconnection is illustrated and explicated with the interaction between the magnetic field distributions of the solar wind and the magnetosphere.

Solar Wind Measurements from the Planetary Magnetometer Onboard the BepiColombo Spacecraft

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Heyner ◽  
Ingo Richter ◽  
Ferdinand Plaschke ◽  
David Fischer ◽  
Johannes Mieth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Solar Wind ◽  
Electric Propulsion ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Solar Electric Propulsion ◽  
Scientific Analysis ◽  
Wind Measurements ◽  
Propulsion Phase ◽  
The Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Disturbances

<p>BepiColombo is en-route to Mercury. The boom carrying the planetary magnetometers (MPO-MAG instrument) was deployed in space on 25th of October in 2018. After the deployment, the magnetic disturbances arising from the spacecraft have been greatly decreased. Since the deployment, the fluxgate sensors have been monitoring the magnetic field continuously except for the solar electric propulsion phase. Extensive calibration and data processing activities have since enabled us to greatly decrease spacecraft-generated <br>disturbances in the magnetic field observations; these activities constitute a key step towards making the data <br>suitable for scientific analysis. We present a few cases of identified magnetic disturbances, discuss the challenges <br>they pose, and compare methods to clean the data. We also compare MPO-MAG measurements to observations by the <br>Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) solar wind monitor, thereby highlighting the small-scale nature and rapid <br>evolution of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) variations. We conclude with an overview of the scientific <br>goals of the instrument team for the in-orbit mission phase.</p>

Solar Dynamo

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Cameron
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Magnetic Flux ◽  
Differential Rotation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Toroidal Field ◽  
Solar Dynamo ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
The Sun ◽  
The Magnetic Field

The solar dynamo is the action of flows inside the Sun to maintain its magnetic field against Ohmic decay. On small scales the magnetic field is seen at the solar surface as a ubiquitous “salt-and-pepper” disorganized field that may be generated directly by the turbulent convection. On large scales, the magnetic field is remarkably organized, with an 11-year activity cycle. During each cycle the field emerging in each hemisphere has a specific East–West alignment (known as Hale’s law) that alternates from cycle to cycle, and a statistical tendency for a North-South alignment (Joy’s law). The polar fields reverse sign during the period of maximum activity of each cycle. The relevant flows for the large-scale dynamo are those of convection, the bulk rotation of the Sun, and motions driven by magnetic fields, as well as flows produced by the interaction of these. Particularly important are the Sun’s large-scale differential rotation (for example, the equator rotates faster than the poles), and small-scale helical motions resulting from the Coriolis force acting on convective motions or on the motions associated with buoyantly rising magnetic flux. These two types of motions result in a magnetic cycle. In one phase of the cycle, differential rotation winds up a poloidal magnetic field to produce a toroidal field. Subsequently, helical motions are thought to bend the toroidal field to create new poloidal magnetic flux that reverses and replaces the poloidal field that was present at the start of the cycle. It is now clear that both small- and large-scale dynamo action are in principle possible, and the challenge is to understand which combination of flows and driving mechanisms are responsible for the time-dependent magnetic fields seen on the Sun.

Possible Generation Mechanism for Alfvenic Velocity Spikes and Magnetic Field Switchbacks as Observed by PSP

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xingyu Zhu ◽  
Jiansen He ◽  
Die Duan ◽  
Lei Zhang ◽  
Liping Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Reconnection ◽  
Field Line ◽  
Magnetic Field Line ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Internal Temperature ◽  
External Temperature ◽  
Pulse Type ◽  
The Magnetic Field

<div>According to Parker's theory in the 1950s, the magnetic lines of force extending from the sun to the interplanetary appear to be Archimedean spirals. From 1960 to 1970, it was found that the interplanetary magnetic field not only follows the Archimedes spiral structure, but also has the characteristics of Alfvenic turbulence. How do these Alfvenic turbulence occur? What will be the characteristics when getting close to the Sun? Parker Solar Probe at 0.17au has found that there are often intermittent Alfvenic pulses (or called Alfvenic velocity spikes) in the solar wind. These pulses are high enough that the disturbed magnetic lines may even turn back. What's more interesting is that there is always a compressibility disturbance along with the Alfven pulse: the temperature and density inside and outside the Alfven pulse are different, the internal temperature is often higher than the external temperature, some of the internal density is higher than the external and some is lower than the external. The Alfven pulse often shows asymmetry on both sides: the magnetic field and velocity on one side are "clean" jumps, while on the other side are multiple small-scale disturbances of variables in the transition boundary layer. In view of this new phenomenon of magnetic field line switch back with compressed Alfven pulse, how it is generated is raising a hot debate. It is thought that the exchange magnetic reconnection of the solar atmosphere may be the underlying physical mechanism. But in the traditional exchange magnetic reconnection image, after reconnection, the zigzag magnetic field line can easily become smooth, which can not maintain the distortion of the magnetic field line, and may not be able to explain the observed Alfven pulses. In this work, we propose a new model called "Excitation of Alfven Pulses by Continuous Intermittent Interchange Reconnection with Guide Field Discontinuity" (EAP-CIIR-GFD). By analyzing and comparing the simulation results and observation results, we find that the model can explain the following observation features: (1) Alfven disturbance is pulse type and asymmetric; (2) Alfven pulse is compressible with the enhancement of internal temperature and the increase or decrease of the internal density; (3) Alfven pulse can cause serious distortion of the magnetic field line. Improvements to the model will also be discussed in the report.</div>

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