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Register a new userSpectroscopic Measurements of the Ion Velocity Distribution at the Base of the Fast Solar Wind
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In situ measurements of the fast solar wind reveal non-thermal distributions of electrons, protons and, minor ions extending from $0.3$ AU to the heliopause. The physical mechanisms responsible for these non-thermal properties and the location where these properties originate remain open questions. Here we present spectroscopic evidence, from extreme ultraviolet spectroscopy, that the velocity distribution functions (VDFs) of minor ions are already non-Gaussian at the base of the fast solar wind in a coronal hole, at altitudes of $< 1.1 R_{odot}$. Analysis of Fe, Si, and Mg spectral lines reveal a peaked line-shape core and broad wings that can be characteristed by a kappa VDF. A kappa distribution fit gives very small kappa indices off-limb of $kappaapprox1.9-2.5$, indicating either (a) ion populations far from thermal equilibrium, (b) fluid motions such as non-Gaussian turbulent fluctuations or non-uniform wave motions, or (c) some combination of both. These observations provide important empirical constraints for the source region of the fast solar wind and for the theoretical models of the different acceleration, heating, and energy deposition processes therein. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the ion VDF in the fast solar wind has been probed so close to its source region. The findings are also a timely precursor to the upcoming 2018 launch of the Parker Solar Probe, which will provide the closest in situ measurements of the solar wind at approximately $0.04$ AU ($8.5$ solar radii).
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We investigate how the proton distribution function evolves when the protons undergo stochastic heating by strong, low-frequency, Alfven-wave turbulence under the assumption that $beta$ is small. We apply our analysis to protons undergoing stochastic heating in the supersonic fast solar wind and obtain proton distributions at heliocentric distances ranging from 4 to 30 solar radii. We find that the proton distribution develops non-Gaussian structure with a flat core and steep tail. For $r >5 R_{rm S}$, the proton distribution is well approximated by a modified Moyal distribution. Comparisons with future measurements from emph{Solar Probe Plus} could be used to test whether stochastic heating is occurring in the solar-wind acceleration region.
The solar wind escapes from the solar corona and is accelerated, over a short distance, to its terminal velocity. The energy balance associated with this acceleration remains poorly understood. To quantify the global electrostatic contribution to the solar wind dynamics, we empirically estimate the ambipolar electric field ($mathrm{E}_parallel$) and potential ($Phi_mathrm{r,infty}$). We analyse electron velocity distribution functions (VDFs) measured in the near-Sun solar wind, between 20.3,$R_S$ and 85.3,$R_S$, by the Parker Solar Probe. We test the predictions of two different solar wind models. Close to the Sun, the VDFs exhibit a suprathermal electron deficit in the sunward, magnetic field aligned part of phase space. We argue that the sunward deficit is a remnant of the electron cutoff predicted by collisionless exospheric models (Lemaire & Sherer 1970, 1971, Jockers 1970). This cutoff energy is directly linked to $Phi_mathrm{r,infty}$. Competing effects of $mathrm{E}_parallel$ and Coulomb collisions in the solar wind are addressed by the Steady Electron Runaway Model (SERM) (Scudder 2019). In this model, electron phase space is separated into collisionally overdamped and underdamped regions. We assume that this boundary velocity at small pitch angles coincides with the strahl break-point energy, which allows us to calculate $mathrm{E}_parallel$. The obtained $Phi_mathrm{r,infty}$ and $mathrm{E}_parallel$ agree well with theoretical expectations. They decrease with radial distance as power law functions with indices $alpha_Phi = -0.66$ and $alpha_mathrm{E} = -1.69$. We finally estimate the velocity gained by protons from electrostatic acceleration, which equals to 77% calculated from the exospheric models, and to 44% from the SERM model.
We analyze in situ measurements of solar wind velocity obtained by Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft and Helios spacecraft during the years 1998-2012 and 1975-1983 respectively. The data belong to mainly solar cycle 23 (1996-2008) and solar cycle 21 (1976-1986) respectively. We use Directed Horizontal Visibility graph (DHVg) algorithm and estimate a graph functional, namely, the degree distance (D) as the Kullback-Leibler divergence (KLD) argument to understand time irreversibility of solar wind time series. We estimate this degree distance irreversibility parameter for these time series at different phases of solar activity cycle. Irreversibility parameter is first established for known dynamical data and then applied for solar wind velocity time series. It is observed that irreversibility in solar wind velocity fluctuations show similar behaviour at 0.3 AU (Helios data) and 1 AU (ACE data). Moreover it changes over the different phases of solar activity cycle.
How has the solar wind evolved to reach what it is today? In this review, I discuss the long-term evolution of the solar wind, including the evolution of observed properties that are intimately linked to the solar wind: rotation, magnetism and activity. Given that we cannot access data from the solar wind 4 billion years ago, this review relies on stellar data, in an effort to better place the Sun and the solar wind in a stellar context. I overview some clever detection methods of winds of solar-like stars, and derive from these an observed evolutionary sequence of solar wind mass-loss rates. I then link these observational properties (including, rotation, magnetism and activity) with stellar wind models. I conclude this review then by discussing implications of the evolution of the solar wind on the evolving Earth and other solar system planets. I argue that studying exoplanetary systems could open up new avenues for progress to be made in our understanding of the evolution of the solar wind.
The release of density structures at the tip of the coronal helmet streamers, likely as a consequence of magnetic reconnection, contributes to the mass flux of the slow solar wind. In situ measurements in the vicinity of the heliospheric plasma sheet of the magnetic field, protons and suprathermal electrons reveal details of the processes at play during the formation of density structures near the Sun. In a previous article, we exploited remote-sensing observations to derive a 3-D picture of the dynamic evolution of a streamer. We found evidence of the recurrent and continual release of dense blobs from the tip of the streamers. In the present paper, we interpret in situ measurements of the slow solar wind during solar maximum. Through both case and statistical analysis, we show that in situ signatures (magnetic field magnitude, smoothness and rotation, proton density and suprathermal electrons, in the first place) are consistent with the helmet streamers producing, in alternation, high-density regions (mostly disconnected) separated by magnetic flux ropes (mostly connected to the Sun). This sequence of emission of dense blobs and flux ropes also seems repeated at smaller scales inside each of the high-density regions. These properties are further confirmed with in situ measurements much closer to the Sun using Helios observations. We conclude on a model for the formation of dense blobs and flux ropes that explains both the in situ measurements and the remote-sensing observations presented in our previous studies.
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