Journal article
In situ observations of large-amplitude Alfvén waves heating and accelerating the solar wind
Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science), Vol.385(6712), pp.962-966
08/30/2024
DOI: 10.1126/science.adk6953
PMID: 39208109
Abstract
After leaving the Sun’s corona, the solar wind continues to accelerate and cools, but more slowly than expected for a freely expanding adiabatic gas. Alfvén waves are perturbations of the interplanetary magnetic field that transport energy. We use in situ measurements from the Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter spacecraft to investigate a stream of solar wind as it traverses the inner heliosphere. The observations show heating and acceleration of the plasma between the outer edge of the corona and near the orbit of Venus, along with the presence of large-amplitude Alfvén waves. We calculate that the damping and mechanical work performed by the Alfvén waves are sufficient to power the heating and acceleration of the fast solar wind in the inner heliosphere.
Editor’s summary The Sun ejects a highly variable stream of plasma from its corona, forming the solar wind. As it expands across the Solar System, the solar wind accelerates and becomes supersonic through an unknown mechanism (see the Perspective by Sorriso Valvo and Malara). Rivera et al . studied a single patch of solar wind that passed two spacecraft, the Parker Solar Probe close to the Sun and then, about 2 days later, the Solar Orbiter near the orbit of Venus. Comparing the plasma properties at each location, the authors calculated that the additional kinetic and thermal energy gained by the plasma matches the energy lost by Alfvén waves, a form of plasma oscillation. This observation implies that Alfvén waves drive the acceleration. —Keith T. Smith
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- In situ observations of large-amplitude Alfvén waves heating and accelerating the solar wind
- Creators
- Yeimy J. Rivera - Center for Astrophysics Harvard & SmithsonianSamuel T. Badman - Center for Astrophysics Harvard & SmithsonianMichael L. Stevens - Center for Astrophysics Harvard & SmithsonianJaye L. Verniero - Goddard Space Flight CenterJulia E. Stawarz - Northumbria UniversityChen Shi - Planetary Science InstituteJim M. Raines - University of MichiganKristoff W. Paulson - Center for Astrophysics Harvard & SmithsonianChristopher J. Owen - University College LondonTatiana Niembro - Center for Astrophysics Harvard & SmithsonianPhilippe Louarn - Université de ToulouseStefano A. Livi - University of MichiganSusan T. Lepri - University of MichiganJustin C. Kasper - University of MichiganTimothy S. Horbury - Imperial College LondonJasper S. Halekas - University of IowaRyan M. Dewey - University of MichiganRossana De Marco - Institute for Space Astrophysics and PlanetologyStuart D. Bale - University of California, Berkeley
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science), Vol.385(6712), pp.962-966
- DOI
- 10.1126/science.adk6953
- PMID
- 39208109
- NLM abbreviation
- Science
- ISSN
- 0036-8075
- eISSN
- 1095-9203
- Publisher
- AMER ASSOC ADVANCEMENT SCIENCE
- Number of pages
- 5
- Grant note
- NASA: NNN06AA01C, 80NSSC22K0204, NNG10EK25C, 80NSSC22K1014 NASA PSP-GI grant: 80NSSC23K0208 NASA LWS grant: 80NSSC22K1014 Royal Society University Research Fellowship: URF\R1\201286 SwRI: A99201MO STFC: ST/W001071/1, ST/T001356/1, ST/S000240/1
Y.J.R. acknowledges support from the Future Faculty Leaders postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University and NASA grant NNN06AA01C. S.T.B., M.L.S., K.W.P., T.N., S.D.B., and J.S.H.acknowledge support from NASA grant NNN06AA01C. R.M.D. acknowledges support from NASA grant 80NSSC22K0204. J.L.V. acknowledges support from NASA PSP-GI grant 80NSSC23K0208 and NASA LWS grant 80NSSC22K1014. J.E.S. was supported by the Royal Society University Research Fellowship URF\R1\201286.S.A.L. was funded by NASA contract NNG10EK25C. Funding for S.T.L. and J.M.R. was provided through SwRI subcontract A99201MO to the University of Michigan. T.S.H. was supported by STFC grant ST/W001071/1. C.J.O., P.L., and R.D.M. were supported by STFC grants ST/T001356/1 and ST/S000240/1. J.S.H. was supported by NASA grant 80NSSC22K1014.
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 08/30/2024
- Academic Unit
- Physics and Astronomy
- Record Identifier
- 9984701560102771
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