Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
1997-06-04
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Redshifted L$\alpha$ absorption toward $\alpha$ Cen has been interpreted by Linsky & Wood (1996) and Frisch et al. (1996) as evidence for decelerated interstellar hydrogen piled up on the upstream side of the heliosphere. We utilize newly developed two-dimensional multi-fluid models of the solar wind interaction with the ISM to corroborate this interpretation by synthesizing the L$\alpha$ absorption profile predicted for this ``hydrogen wall''. Both subsonic and supersonic inflow into the heliosphere are considered, corresponding to one-shock and two-shock global morphologies, respectively. It is found that these two extremes give observably different redward absorption characteristics in the L$\alpha$ profiles, and our preliminary conclusion is that the L$\alpha$ profiles seen toward $\alpha$ Cen favor a barely subsonic model (Mach number 0.9). For such a model to hold, additional interstellar pressure terms, such as cosmic ray or magnetic pressures, must contribute. To make this conclusion more certain, an extended model-parameter survey is required, coupled with L$\alpha$ data along other lines of sight.
Frisch Priscilla C.
Gayley Ken G.
Pauls Louis H.
Welty Daniel E.
Zank Gary P.
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