Preprint
Direct Observations of Magnetic Reconnection in the Solar Wind Current Sheets near Mars
ArXiv.org
Cornell University
06/15/2026
DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2606.16105
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 Alfvenic 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.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Direct Observations of Magnetic Reconnection in the Solar Wind Current Sheets near Mars
- Creators
- Chi ZhangChuanfei DongXinmin LiHan-Wen ShenJasper HalekasTai PhanChristian MazelleYuki HaradaHongyang ZhouJiawei GaoLiang WangShannon CurryDavid L Mitchell
- Resource Type
- Preprint
- Publication Details
- ArXiv.org
- DOI
- 10.48550/arxiv.2606.16105
- ISSN
- 2331-8422
- Publisher
- Cornell University; Ithaca, New York
- Language
- English
- Date posted
- 06/15/2026
- Academic Unit
- Physics and Astronomy
- Record Identifier
- 9985175468302771
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