A comparative study on 3-D solar wind structure observed by Ulysses and MHD simulation

Ulysses, which was a joint NASA/ESA probe to studythe sun and launched in October of 1990, has been thefirst spacecraft to explore the high latitudinal regions ofheliosphere till now[1]. One of its main scientific purposeswas to observe the latitudinal structures of solar wind pa-rameters, such as velocity, density, mass flux, magneticfield, etc.[1―4]. During its first rapid pole-to-pole transitcovering heliographic latitudes of ±80° from September of1994 to June of 1995, Ulysses observ…     

Dependence of magnetic field just inside the magnetopause on subsolar standoff distance: Global MHD results

The subsolar magnetopause is the boundary between the solar wind and the Earth’s magnetosphere,where reduced solar wind dynamic pressure is equal to the magnetic pressure of the Earth’s outer magnetosphere.We use a global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD)model to estimate the ratio f of the compressed magnetic field just inside the subsolar magnetopause to the purely dipolar magnetic field.We also compare our numerical results to a similar work by Shue,which used Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms(THEMIS)data.Our results show that the ratio f is linearly proportional to the subsolar magnetopause standoff distance(r0)for both the northward and southward interplanetary magnetic field,properties consistent with Shue but with a smaller proportionality constant.However,previous theoretical studies show that f is nearly independent of the subsolar standoff distance.The global model results also show that f is smaller for the southward Interplanetary Magnetic Field(IMF)under the same r0,and that the proportionality constant for the southward IMF is larger than that for the northward IMF.Both conclusions agree with statistical results from observations by Shue.     

Alfvénic waves with sufficient energy to power the quiet solar corona and fast solar wind

Energy is required to heat the outer solar atmosphere to millions of degrees (refs 1, 2) and to accelerate the solar wind to hundreds of kilometres per second (refs 2-6). Alfvén waves (travelling oscillations of ions and magnetic field) have been invoked as a possible mechanism to transport magneto-convective energy upwards along the Sun's magnetic field lines into the corona. Previous observations of Alfvénic waves in the corona revealed amplitudes far too small (0.5?km?s(-1)) to supply the energy flux (100-200?W?m(-2)) required to drive the fast solar wind or balance the radiative losses of the quiet corona. Here we report observations of the transition region (between the chromosphere and the corona) and of the corona that reveal how Alfvénic motions permeate the dynamic and finely structured outer solar atmosphere. The ubiquitous outward-propagating Alfvénic motions observed have amplitudes of the order of 20?km?s(-1) and periods of the order of 100-500?s throughout the quiescent atmosphere (compatible with recent investigations), and are energetic enough to accelerate the fast solar wind and heat the quiet corona.     

An interpretation of density holes observed by Cluster and Double Star in solar wind

To interpret density holes in the solar wind,which are nonlinear structures observed by Cluster and Double Star,we propose an electrostatic ion fluid model.We derive the Sagdeev potential from the magnetohydrodynamic(MHD)equations and study the characteristics of nonlinear structures in our model.The results show that density depletions(or holes)can develop from linear ion acoustic waves or ion cyclotron waves in space plasmas when parameters such as Mach number,initial electric field and ratio of ion to electron temperature satisfy certain conditions.In our model,the relative density depletion(or density holes)is from 0 to 1, and the time duration of density holes is from 2 s to more than 98 s.These are in good agreement with the observations by Cluster and Double Star in the solar wind.Our model also shows that the density holes should be accompanied by bipolar electric field solitary structures,which have also been observed by Cluster in the solar wind.     

太阳风起源区等离子体动力学机制

 根据太阳风的起源,对太阳风的等离子体动力学理论进行研究。对磁流体力学（MHD）做了详细概述,在此基础上讨论稳定态下的震波结构,并进行详细的公式推导,特别是对它的不连续结构与旋转不连续的性质进行说明。通过对卫星观测结果的分析,得到两种磁场方向不连续面：切向不连续（TD）和旋转不连续（RD）。研究表明,TD的特性为垂直不连续面的磁场分量为零,电离子不通过该面;RD两侧的磁场方向不同但是大小相同,且有电离子通过该不连续面。太阳风中旋转不连续面主要与高速太阳风有关。通过分析6种不连续结构得到：在通过界面的磁通量保持不变的情况下,切向磁场会任意改变方向,出现旋转不连续现象,且此现象能够通过一维空间结构图方法加以验证。通过对比推导结果与数据验证图,发现数据图的分析支持公式的推导,证实太阳风起源区等离子存在旋转不连续机制。     

Numerical study of magnetic reconnection process near interplanetary current sheet

The third order accurate upwind compact difference scheme has been applied to the numerical study of the magnetic reconnection process possibly occurring near the interplanetary current sheet, under the framework of the two-dimensional compressible magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). Our results here show that the driven reconnection near the current sheet can occur within 10—30 min for the interplanetary high magnetic Reynolds number, R_M =2 000—10 000, the stable magnetic reconnection structure can be formed in hour-order of magnitude, and there are some ba- sic properties such as the multiple X-line reconnections, vortical velocity structures, filament current systems, splitting and collapse of the high-density plasma bulk. These results are helpful in understanding and identifying the magnetic reconnection phenomena near the interplanetary current sheets.     

Single-fluid 2D magnetohydrodynamic simulation of solar wind structure in comparison to ulysses observations

Two dimensional Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations with and without the momentum addition respectively have been used to simulate the solar wind structure on the meridian plane. The results show that far away from the sun it isn't solar magnetic field that induces the cncave solar wind speed. Instead, there may be the fast speed streamer driven by the momentum addition and an interface between high and low speed streamers. The interaction between high and low speed streamers causes the sharp division. Foundation item: Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (4999045) Biography: Deng Ling-yun (1976-), female, Master candidate, research direction: solar-terrestrial physics.     

Solar chromospheric spicules from the leakage of photospheric oscillations and flows

Spicules are dynamic jets propelled upwards (at speeds of approximately 20 km s(-1)) from the solar 'surface' (photosphere) into the magnetized low atmosphere of the Sun. They carry a mass flux of 100 times that of the solar wind into the low solar corona. With diameters close to observational limits (< 500 km), spicules have been largely unexplained since their discovery in 1877: none of the existing models can account simultaneously for their ubiquity, evolution, energetics and recently discovered periodicity. Here we report a synthesis of modelling and high-spatial-resolution observations in which numerical simulations driven by observed photospheric velocities directly reproduce the observed occurrence and properties of individual spicules. Photospheric velocities are dominated by convective granulation (which has been considered before for spicule formation) and by p-modes (which are solar global resonant acoustic oscillations visible in the photosphere as quasi-sinusoidal velocity and intensity pulsations). We show that the previously ignored p-modes are crucial: on inclined magnetic flux tubes, the p-modes leak sufficient energy from the global resonant cavity into the chromosphere to power shocks that drive upward flows and form spicules.     

The unusual minimum of sunspot cycle 23 caused by meridional plasma flow variations

Direct observations over the past four centuries show that the number of sunspots observed on the Sun's surface varies periodically, going through successive maxima and minima. Following sunspot cycle 23, the Sun went into a prolonged minimum characterized by a very weak polar magnetic field and an unusually large number of days without sunspots. Sunspots are strongly magnetized regions generated by a dynamo mechanism that recreates the solar polar field mediated through plasma flows. Here we report results from kinematic dynamo simulations which demonstrate that a fast meridional flow in the first half of a cycle, followed by a slower flow in the second half, reproduces both characteristics of the minimum of sunspot cycle 23. Our model predicts that, in general, very deep minima are associated with weak polar fields. Sunspots govern the solar radiative energy and radio flux, and, in conjunction with the polar field, modulate the solar wind, the heliospheric open flux and, consequently, the cosmic ray flux at Earth.     

空间灾害性扰动事件数值预报初探——行星际激波动力学问题6步求解法

空间灾害性天气的预报是日地物理学界及高科技领域的热门话题.未来预测太阳剧烈扰动所造成的行星际风暴到达地球空间的状态势必借助于数值方法.浅析了空间灾害性扰动事件数值预报存在的问题及未来设想, 针对这一目的对一维球对称问题提出了处理行星际激波的 6步求解方法,指出未来空间灾害性扰动事件预报模式应是一个基于三维的以真实太阳风为背景自洽建立起来的、以太阳等离子体输出及磁场全球结构为初边值、太阳、行星际、地磁因果耦合模式.     

Extended magnetic reconnection at the Earth's magnetopause from detection of bi-directional jets

Magnetic reconnection is a process that converts magnetic energy into bi-directional plasma jets; it is believed to be the dominant process by which solar-wind energy enters the Earth's magnetosphere. This energy is subsequently dissipated by magnetic storms and aurorae. Previous single-spacecraft observations revealed only single jets at the magnetopause--while the existence of a counter-streaming jet was implicitly assumed, no experimental confirmation was available. Here we report in situ two-spacecraft observations of bi-directional jets at the magnetopause, finding evidence for a stable and extended reconnection line; the latter implies substantial entry of the solar wind into the magnetosphere. We conclude that reconnection is determined by large-scale interactions between the solar wind and the magnetosphere, rather than by local conditions at the magnetopause.     

Modulation of Saturn's radio clock by solar wind speed

The internal rotation rates of the giant planets can be estimated by cloud motions, but such an approach is not very precise because absolute wind speeds are not known a priori and depend on latitude: periodicities in the radio emissions, thought to be tied to the internal planetary magnetic field, are used instead. Saturn, despite an apparently axisymmetric magnetic field, emits kilometre-wavelength (radio) photons from auroral sources. This emission is modulated at a period initially identified as 10 h 39 min 24 +/- 7 s, and this has been adopted as Saturn's rotation period. Subsequent observations, however, revealed that this period varies by +/-6 min on a timescale of several months to years. Here we report that the kilometric radiation period varies systematically by +/-1% with a characteristic timescale of 20-30 days. Here we show that these fluctuations are correlated with solar wind speed at Saturn, meaning that Saturn's radio clock is controlled, at least in part, by conditions external to the planet's magnetosphere. No correlation is found with the solar wind density, dynamic pressure or magnetic field; the solar wind speed therefore has a special function. We also show that the long-term fluctuations are simply an average of the short-term ones, and therefore the long-term variations are probably also driven by changes in the solar wind.     

Three-dimensional magnetic field topology in a region of solar coronal heating

Flares and X-ray jets on the Sun arise in active regions where magnetic flux emerges from the solar interior amd interacts with the ambient magnetic field. The interactions are believed to occur in electric current sheets separating regions of opposite magnetic polarity. The current sheets located in the corona or upper chromosphere have long been thought to act as an important source of coronal heating, requiring their location in the corona or upper chromosphere. The dynamics and energetics of these sheets are governed by a complex magnetic field structure that, until now, has been difficult to measure. Here we report the determination of the full magnetic vector in an interaction region near the base of the solar corona. The observations reveal two magnetic features that characterize young active regions on the Sun: a set of rising magnetic loops and a tangential discontinuity of the magnetic field direction, the latter being the observational signature of an electric current sheet. This provides strong support for coronal heating models based on the dissipation of magnetic energy at current sheets.     

A magnetic reconnection X-line extending more than 390 Earth radii in the solar wind

Magnetic reconnection in a current sheet converts magnetic energy into particle energy, a process that is important in many laboratory, space and astrophysical contexts. It is not known at present whether reconnection is fundamentally a process that can occur over an extended region in space or whether it is patchy and unpredictable in nature. Frequent reports of small-scale flux ropes and flow channels associated with reconnection in the Earth's magnetosphere raise the possibility that reconnection is intrinsically patchy, with each reconnection X-line (the line along which oppositely directed magnetic field lines reconnect) extending at most a few Earth radii (R(E)), even though the associated current sheets span many tens or hundreds of R(E). Here we report three-spacecraft observations of accelerated flow associated with reconnection in a current sheet embedded in the solar wind flow, where the reconnection X-line extended at least 390R(E) (or 2.5 x 10(6) km). Observations of this and 27 similar events imply that reconnection is fundamentally a large-scale process. Patchy reconnection observed in the Earth's magnetosphere is therefore likely to be a geophysical effect associated with fluctuating boundary conditions, rather than a fundamental property of reconnection. Our observations also reveal, surprisingly, that reconnection can operate in a quasi-steady-state manner even when undriven by the external flow.     

子午面磁层顶位形结构的MHD模拟研究

本文基于太阳风-磁层-电离层耦合的全球磁流体力学(MHD)数值模拟,研究几种典型的太阳风动压和行星际磁场条件下,地球子午面上方磁层顶的位置和形状特征,以及磁层顶位形参数日下点距离和磁层顶张角随行星际条件的变化规律。模拟结果表明:正午午夜子午面磁层顶位形具有内凹结构,当行星际磁场为南向时,随磁场强度增强,日下点距离减小;行星际磁场为北向时,随磁场强度增强,日下点距离增大。动压增大,日下点距离减小。南向磁场强度增强,磁层顶张角变大。这些模拟结果与基于卫星数据的高纬经验模型(B00)以及(Schield)模型的经验结论相吻合,说明MHD模拟是研究磁层顶位形的有效工具。特别是在高纬穿越数据的获得受限时,基于对磁层顶位形的物理理论研究构建的数值模拟数据是解决这一问题的有效途径。     

基于无线电掩星观测的火星电离层观测研究进展

火星电离层早期的观测数据非常少,除了Viking登陆器对火星电离层的在位测量外,火星电离层的主要物理信息是通过掩星观测方法得到的.近年来,Mars Global Surveyor和Mars Express轨道器通过掩星观测的方法对火星的上层大气和电离层进行了长期的观测,得到了大量的火星电离层电子密度廓线资料.火星电离层受到来自太阳EUV和X射线辐射、太阳风、太阳耀斑、中性大气、表面壳磁场、宇宙射线、流星等多种因素的影响,使其结构发生瞬态或季节性的变化.本文介绍了行星无线电掩星探测的基本原理和技术特点,回顾了国内外科学家们基于已有的火星掩星观测数据（主要是Mars GlobalSurveyor和Mars Express）在火星电离层研究中的一些最新科学成果,并详细介绍了火星电离层的结构和火星夜间电离层的主要特征.     

A review of recent studies on coronal dynamics: Streamers, coronal mass ejections, and their interactions

In this article I present a review of recent studies on coronal dynamics, including research progresses on the physics of coronal streamers that are the largest structure in the corona, physics of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that may cause a global disturbance to the corona, as well as physics of CME-streamer interactions. The following topics will be discussed in depth: (1) acceleration of the slow wind flowing around the streamer considering the effect of magnetic flux tube curvature; (2) physical mechanism accounting for persistent releases of streamer blobs and diagnostic results on the temporal variability of the slow wind speed with such events; (3) force balance analysis and energy release mechanism of CMEs with a flux rope magnetohydrodynamic model; (4) statistical studies on magnetic islands along the coronal-ray structure behind a CME and the first observation of magnetic island coalescence with associated electron acceleration; and (5) white light and radio manifestations of CME-streamer interactions. These studies shed new light on the physics of coronal streamers, the acceleration of the slow wind, the physics of solar eruptions, the physics of magnetic reconnection and associated electron acceleration, the large-scale coronal wave phenomenon, as well as the physics accounting for CME shock-induced type II radio bursts.     

Enhanced anti-sunward flow near local noon during a period of horizontal IMF and high solar wind velocity <Emphasis Type="Italic">V</Emphasis><Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">Y</Emphasis></Subscript>

It is believed that a southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is mainly responsible for the energy input from solar wind into the magnetosphere. This paper presents an unusual case of strong anti-sunward plasma flow (up to 2 km/s) in the polar cap ionosphere and large cross-polar cap potential (CPCP) during a period of horizontal IMF (|B _Z | < 2 nT) observed by both ACE (at the L1 point) and Geotail (on the dusk flank of the magnetosheath). The CPCP is even higher than that under preceding B _Z ≈ −23 nT. Furthermore, GOES8 observed that the magnetosheath field turns northward as the anti-sunward plasma flow and CPCP start to increase, which implies that the magnetosheath field interacting with the Earth’s magnetopause has significantly rotated and differs from the IMF observed by ACE and Geotail. In accordance with previous theoretical work, we suggest that the magnetic field line draping produces a southward magnetosheath field and enhances anti-sunward plasma flow and the CPCP.     

能量旁路组合发动机磁流体发电通道数值模拟

利用简化的一维低磁雷诺数下磁流体动力学方程组,对理想分段法拉第型MHD发电通道开展了数值模拟研究,分析了电磁参数和通道几何参数的变化对MHD发电通道性能的影响。结果表明:MHD发电通道能够有效减小出口气流速度,降低总温,并提取出能量,但由于电磁作用的不可逆效应以及焦耳热的产生总压有所损失。磁场强度B、电导率σ的大小,反映了通道内电磁作用强度。适度扩张型通道能够抑制出口气流速度、静温和总温,并增强电磁作用效果。要使通道出口速度减小,总温和总压降低,能量提取率增加,可以增大磁场强度B或电导率σ;反之则反向调节。     

Filamentary structure on the Sun from the magnetic Rayleigh-Taylor instability

Magnetic flux emerges from the solar surface as dark filaments connecting small sunspots with opposite polarities. The regions around the dark filaments are often bright in X-rays and are associated with jets. This implies plasma heating and acceleration, which are important for coronal heating. Previous two-dimensional simulations of such regions showed that magnetic reconnection between the coronal magnetic field and the emerging flux produced X-ray jets and flares, but left unresolved the origin of filamentary structure and the intermittent nature of the heating. Here we report three-dimensional simulations of emerging flux showing that the filamentary structure arises spontaneously from the magnetic Rayleigh-Taylor instability, contrary to the previous view that the dark filaments are isolated bundles of magnetic field that rise from the photosphere carrying the dense gas. As a result of the magnetic Rayleigh-Taylor instability, thin current sheets are formed in the emerging flux, and magnetic reconnection occurs between emerging flux and the pre-existing coronal field in a spatially intermittent way. This explains naturally the intermittent nature of coronal heating and the patchy brightenings in solar flares.