Direct Observations of Magnetic Reconnection in the Solar Wind Current Sheets near Mars

Chi Zhang; Chuanfei Dong; Xinmin Li; Han-Wen Shen; Jasper Halekas; Tai Phan; Christian Mazelle; Yuki Harada; Hongyang Zhou; Jiawei Gao; Liang Wang; Shannon Curry; David L. Mitchell

doi:10.3847/2041-8213/ae78dc

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Direct Observations of Magnetic Reconnection in the Solar Wind Current Sheets near Mars

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Direct Observations of Magnetic Reconnection in the Solar Wind Current Sheets near Mars

Chi Zhang, Chuanfei Dong, Xinmin Li, Han-Wen Shen, Jasper Halekas, Tai Phan, Christian Mazelle, Yuki Harada, Hongyang Zhou, Jiawei Gao, …

Astrophysical journal. Letters, Vol.1004(2), L45

06/20/2026

DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae78dc

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Abstract

Magnetic reconnection is a fundamental and ubiquitous process in astrophysical plasmas that converts magnetic energy into plasma kinetic and thermal energy. Throughout the heliosphere, the solar wind is permeated with current sheets (CSs), providing a natural laboratory for investigating this process. Using measurements from NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft, we report the first direct observations of magnetic reconnection occurring within the solar wind CSs near Mars. Specifically, MAVEN observed the classic Petschek-type reconnection exhaust regions, evidenced by bifurcated magnetic field signatures and Alfv & eacute;nic ion outflows. Notably, the observed exhaust region appears to be large scale, significantly exceeding the typical thickness of solar wind CSs near Mars. This suggests that magnetic reconnection may significantly broaden the CS. Our results underscore the ubiquity of magnetic reconnection across heliocentric distances and may provide new insights into the large-scale evolution of the solar wind and the development of turbulence within it.

Physical Sciences

Astronomy & Astrophysics

Science & Technology

Details

Title: Subtitle: Direct Observations of Magnetic Reconnection in the Solar Wind Current Sheets near Mars
Creators: Chi Zhang - Boston University
Chuanfei Dong - Boston University
Xinmin Li - Boston University
Han-Wen Shen - University of Iowa
Jasper Halekas - University of Iowa
Tai Phan - University of California, Berkeley
Christian Mazelle - Université Fédérale de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées
Yuki Harada - Kyoto University
Hongyang Zhou - Boston University
Jiawei Gao - Boston University
Liang Wang - Boston University
Shannon Curry - University of Colorado System
David L. Mitchell - University of California, Berkeley
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Astrophysical journal. Letters, Vol.1004(2), L45
DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae78dc
ISSN: 2041-8205
eISSN: 2041-8213
Publisher: IOP Publishing Ltd
Number of pages: 12
Grant note: DE-SC0024639 / DOE; United States Department of Energy (DOE) NNH10CC04C / NASA; National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA)
Language: English
Date published: 06/20/2026
Academic Unit: Physics and Astronomy
Record Identifier: 9985179094502771

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