Physics
Scientific paper
Dec 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009agufmsh32a..07z&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2009, abstract #SH32A-07
Physics
[2124] Interplanetary Physics / Heliopause And Solar Wind Termination, [2126] Interplanetary Physics / Heliosphere/Interstellar Medium Interactions, [2151] Interplanetary Physics / Neutral Particles, [2152] Interplanetary Physics / Pickup Ions
Scientific paper
IBEX is returning observations of energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) created in the boundary regions separating the supersonic solar wind and the pristine local interstellar medium. Underlying the interpretation of the IBEX results is the character of the proton distribution function in the inner and outer heliosheath. In particular, the proton distribution function in the inner heliosheath is likely to reflect the physics of pickup ions created in the supersonic solar wind, processed at the heliospheric termination shock (HTS), and convected throughout the heliosheath. The Voyager 2 plasma and magnetic field observations of the quasi-perpendicular HTS revealed a shock quite unlike any observed previously in the solar wind, and the primary dissipation mechanism appears to be associated with the reflection of incident pickup ions by the HTS cross-shock potential. We discuss the implications of the observed HTS structure and dissipation processes in determining the downstream proton distribution function and the subsequent creation of ENAs. We will describe how the physics of pickup ions and the HTS can inform our understanding of ENA observations made at 1 AU by IBEX.
Burrows R.
Frisch Priscilla C.
Funsten Herbert O.
Fuselier Stephen A.
Gruntman Mike
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