Physics – Plasma Physics
Scientific paper
Dec 2011
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011agufmsh13c..02p&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2011, abstract #SH13C-02
Physics
Plasma Physics
[7509] Solar Physics, Astrophysics, And Astronomy / Corona, [7800] Space Plasma Physics
Scientific paper
The first MHD models of the heliosphere were produced in 1961, illustrating the theoretical shape of the heliosphere in the two extremes of an interstellar wind without interstellar magnetic field and an interstellar magnetic field without a wind. The lack of information on the density and velocity of the solar wind, and on the interstellar wind and magnetic field, precluded any real estimate of the dimensions of the heliosphere at that time. The plasma detector on the Mariner II voyage to Venus in 1962 brought the realities into focus, measuring wind densities of 5 ions/cc and velocities of 300 - 700 km/sec. The subsequent exploration of the solar wind has filled in the picture in considerable detail. Most recently, Voyagers I and II have determined the dimensions of the heliosphere, as well as suggesting unanticipated dynamical effects in the heliosheath. For instance, rapid reconnection of the magnetic sector structure into separate magnetic bubbles is predicted. Then the curious 4 AU region of vanishing radial wind velocity requires explanation. We have also learned that the anomalous cosmic rays are not accelerated in the terminal shock, at least in the regions penetrated by the Voyagers. So there is much yet to be understood, much like the situation in 1961 fifty years ago.
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