Journal article
Mixed Source Region Signatures inside Magnetic Switchback Patches Inferred by Heavy Ion Diagnostics
The Astrophysical journal, Vol.974(2), 198
10/01/2024
DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ad7815
Abstract
Since Parker Solar Probe's (Parker's) first perihelion pass at the Sun, large-amplitude Alfvén waves grouped in patches have been observed near the Sun throughout the mission. Several formation processes for these magnetic switchback patches have been suggested with no definitive consensus. To provide insight into their formation, we examine the heavy ion properties of several adjacent magnetic switchback patches around Parker's 11th perihelion pass, capitalizing on a spacecraft lineup with Solar Orbiter where each samples the same solar wind streams over a large range of longitudes. Heavy ion properties (Fe/O, C6+/C5+, O7+/O6+) related to the wind's coronal origin, measured with Solar Orbiter, can be linked to switchback patch structures identified near the Sun with Parker. We find that switchback patches do not contain distinctive ion and elemental compositional signatures different from the surrounding nonswitchback solar wind. Both the patches and ambient wind exhibit a range of fast and slow wind qualities, indicating coronal sources with open and closed field lines in close proximity. These observations and modeling indicate switchback patches form in coronal hole boundary wind and with a range of source region magnetic and thermal properties. Furthermore, the heavy ion signatures suggest interchange reconnection and/or shear-driven processes may play a role in their creation.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Mixed Source Region Signatures inside Magnetic Switchback Patches Inferred by Heavy Ion Diagnostics
- Creators
- Yeimy J. Rivera - Center for Astrophysics Harvard & SmithsonianSamuel T. Badman - Center for Astrophysics Harvard & SmithsonianMichael L. Stevens - Center for Astrophysics Harvard & SmithsonianJim M. Raines - University of Michigan–Ann ArborChristopher J. Owen - University College LondonKristoff Paulson - Center for Astrophysics Harvard & SmithsonianTatiana Niembro - Center for Astrophysics Harvard & SmithsonianStefano A. Livi - Southwest Research InstituteSusan T. Lepri - University of Michigan–Ann ArborEnrico Landi - University of Michigan–Ann ArborJasper S. Halekas - University of Iowa Department of Physics and Astronomy, Iowa City, IA 52242, USATamar Ervin - University of California, BerkeleyRyan M. Dewey - University of Michigan–Ann ArborJesse T. Coburn - Space Science InstituteStuart D. Bale - University of California, BerkeleyB. L. Alterman - Southwest Research Institute
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- The Astrophysical journal, Vol.974(2), 198
- Publisher
- The American Astronomical Society
- DOI
- 10.3847/1538-4357/ad7815
- ISSN
- 0004-637X
- eISSN
- 1538-4357
- Number of pages
- 7
- Grant note
- NNN06AA01C / National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) (https://doi.org/10.13039/100000104)
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 10/01/2024
- Academic Unit
- Physics and Astronomy
- Record Identifier
- 9984736611502771
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