Direct evidence for magnetic reconnection at the boundaries of magnetic switchbacks with Parker Solar Probe - Observatoire de Paris Accéder directement au contenu
Article Dans Une Revue Astronomy and Astrophysics - A&A Année : 2021

Direct evidence for magnetic reconnection at the boundaries of magnetic switchbacks with Parker Solar Probe

O. Agapitov
M. Velli
D. Malaspina
K. Goetz
M. Pulupa
M. L. Stevens
  • Fonction : Auteur

Résumé

Context. The first encounters of Parker Solar Probe (PSP) with the Sun revealed the presence of ubiquitous localised magnetic deflections in the inner heliosphere; these structures, often called switchbacks, are particularly striking in solar wind streams originating from coronal holes.Aims. We report the direct piece of evidence for magnetic reconnection occurring at the boundaries of three switchbacks crossed by PSP at a distance of 45 to 48 solar radii to the Sun during its first encounter.Methods. We analyse the magnetic field and plasma parameters from the FIELDS and Solar Wind Electrons Alphas and Protons instruments.Results. The three structures analysed all show typical signatures of magnetic reconnection. The ion velocity and magnetic field are first correlated and then anti-correlated at the inbound and outbound edges of the bifurcated current sheets with a central ion flow jet. Most of the reconnection events have a strong guide field and moderate magnetic shear, but one current sheet shows indications of quasi anti-parallel reconnection in conjunction with a magnetic field magnitude decrease by 90%.Conclusions. Given the wealth of intense current sheets observed by PSP, reconnection at switchback boundaries appears to be rare. However, as the switchback boundaries accomodate currents, one can conjecture that the geometry of these boundaries offers favourable conditions for magnetic reconnection to occur. Such a mechanism would thus contribute in reconfiguring the magnetic field of the switchbacks, affecting the dynamics of the solar wind and eventually contributing to the blending of the structures with the regular wind as they propagate away from the Sun.
Fichier principal
Vignette du fichier
aa39806-20.pdf (3.49 Mo) Télécharger le fichier
Origine : Publication financée par une institution

Dates et versions

hal-03296002 , version 1 (22-07-2021)

Identifiants

Citer

C. Froment, V. Krasnoselskikh, T. Dudok de Wit, O. Agapitov, N. Fargette, et al.. Direct evidence for magnetic reconnection at the boundaries of magnetic switchbacks with Parker Solar Probe. Astronomy and Astrophysics - A&A, 2021, 650, pp.A5. ⟨10.1051/0004-6361/202039806⟩. ⟨hal-03296002⟩
43 Consultations
32 Téléchargements

Altmetric

Partager

Gmail Facebook X LinkedIn More