| 1. |
- Zouganelis, I., et al.
(författare)
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The Solar Orbiter Science Activity Plan : Translating solar and heliospheric physics questions into action
- 2020
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP SCIENCES S A. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 642
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Solar Orbiter is the first space mission observing the solar plasma both in situ and remotely, from a close distance, in and out of the ecliptic. The ultimate goal is to understand how the Sun produces and controls the heliosphere, filling the Solar System and driving the planetary environments. With six remote-sensing and four in-situ instrument suites, the coordination and planning of the operations are essential to address the following four top-level science questions: (1) What drives the solar wind and where does the coronal magnetic field originate?; (2) How do solar transients drive heliospheric variability?; (3) How do solar eruptions produce energetic particle radiation that fills the heliosphere?; (4) How does the solar dynamo work and drive connections between the Sun and the heliosphere? Maximising the mission's science return requires considering the characteristics of each orbit, including the relative position of the spacecraft to Earth (affecting downlink rates), trajectory events (such as gravitational assist manoeuvres), and the phase of the solar activity cycle. Furthermore, since each orbit's science telemetry will be downloaded over the course of the following orbit, science operations must be planned at mission level, rather than at the level of individual orbits. It is important to explore the way in which those science questions are translated into an actual plan of observations that fits into the mission, thus ensuring that no opportunities are missed. First, the overarching goals are broken down into specific, answerable questions along with the required observations and the so-called Science Activity Plan (SAP) is developed to achieve this. The SAP groups objectives that require similar observations into Solar Orbiter Observing Plans, resulting in a strategic, top-level view of the optimal opportunities for science observations during the mission lifetime. This allows for all four mission goals to be addressed. In this paper, we introduce Solar Orbiter's SAP through a series of examples and the strategy being followed.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Bale, S. D., et al.
(författare)
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The FIELDS Instrument Suite for Solar Probe Plus
- 2016
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Ingår i: Space Science Reviews. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0038-6308 .- 1572-9672. ; 204:1-4, s. 49-82
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- NASA's Solar Probe Plus (SPP) mission will make the first in situ measurements of the solar corona and the birthplace of the solar wind. The FIELDS instrument suite on SPP will make direct measurements of electric and magnetic fields, the properties of in situ plasma waves, electron density and temperature profiles, and interplanetary radio emissions, amongst other things. Here, we describe the scientific objectives targeted by the SPP/FIELDS instrument, the instrument design itself, and the instrument concept of operations and planned data products.
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| 4. |
- Kollhoff, A., et al.
(författare)
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The first widespread solar energetic particle event observed by Solar Orbiter on 2020 November 29
- 2021
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 656
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. On 2020 November 29, the first widespread solar energetic particle (SEP) event of solar cycle 25 was observed at four widely separated locations in the inner (≲1 AU) heliosphere. Relativistic electrons as well as protons with energies > 50 MeV were observed by Solar Orbiter (SolO), Parker Solar Probe, the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO)-A and multiple near-Earth spacecraft. The SEP event was associated with an M4.4 class X-ray flare and accompanied by a coronal mass ejection and an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) wave as well as a type II radio burst and multiple type III radio bursts.Aims. We present multi-spacecraft particle observations and place them in context with source observations from remote sensing instruments and discuss how such observations may further our understanding of particle acceleration and transport in this widespread event.Methods. Velocity dispersion analysis (VDA) and time shift analysis (TSA) were used to infer the particle release times at the Sun. Solar wind plasma and magnetic field measurements were examined to identify structures that influence the properties of the energetic particles such as their intensity. Pitch angle distributions and first-order anisotropies were analyzed in order to characterize the particle propagation in the interplanetary medium.Results. We find that during the 2020 November 29 SEP event, particles spread over more than 230° in longitude close to 1 AU. The particle onset delays observed at the different spacecraft are larger as the flare–footpoint angle increases and are consistent with those from previous STEREO observations. Comparing the timing when the EUV wave intersects the estimated magnetic footpoints of each spacecraft with particle release times from TSA and VDA, we conclude that a simple scenario where the particle release is only determined by the EUV wave propagation is unlikely for this event. Observations of anisotropic particle distributions at SolO, Wind, and STEREO-A do not rule out that particles are injected over a wide longitudinal range close to the Sun. However, the low values of the first-order anisotropy observed by near-Earth spacecraft suggest that diffusive propagation processes are likely involved.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Maksimovic, M., et al.
(författare)
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First observations and performance of the RPW instrument on board the Solar Orbiter mission
- 2021
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 656
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Radio and Plasma Waves (RPW) instrument on the ESA Solar Orbiter mission is designed to measure in situ magnetic and electric fields and waves from the continuum up to several hundred kHz. The RPW also observes solar and heliospheric radio emissions up to 16 MHz. It was switched on and its antennae were successfully deployed two days after the launch of Solar Orbiter on February 10, 2020. Since then, the instrument has acquired enough data to make it possible to assess its performance and the electromagnetic disturbances it experiences. In this article, we assess its scientific performance and present the first RPW observations. In particular, we focus on a statistical analysis of the first observations of interplanetary dust by the instrument's Thermal Noise Receiver. We also review the electro-magnetic disturbances that RPW suffers, especially those which potential users of the instrument data should be aware of before starting their research work.
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| 7. |
- Maksimovic, M., et al.
(författare)
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The Solar Orbiter Radio and Plasma Waves (RPW) instrument
- 2020
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP SCIENCES S A. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 642
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Radio and Plasma Waves (RPW) instrument on the ESA Solar Orbiter mission is described in this paper. This instrument is designed to measure in-situ magnetic and electric fields and waves from the continuous to a few hundreds of kHz. RPW will also observe solar radio emissions up to 16 MHz. The RPW instrument is of primary importance to the Solar Orbiter mission and science requirements since it is essential to answer three of the four mission overarching science objectives. In addition RPW will exchange on-board data with the other in-situ instruments in order to process algorithms for interplanetary shocks and type III langmuir waves detections.
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| 8. |
- Allen, R. C., et al.
(författare)
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Energetic ions in the Venusian system : Insights from the first Solar Orbiter flyby
- 2021
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 656
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Solar Orbiter flyby of Venus on 27 December 2020 allowed for an opportunity to measure the suprathermal to energetic ions in the Venusian system over a large range of radial distances to better understand the acceleration processes within the system and provide a characterization of galactic cosmic rays near the planet. Bursty suprathermal ion enhancements (up to similar to 10 keV) were observed as far as similar to 50R(V) downtail. These enhancements are likely related to a combination of acceleration mechanisms in regions of strong turbulence, current sheet crossings, and boundary layer crossings, with a possible instance of ion heating due to ion cyclotron waves within the Venusian tail. Upstream of the planet, suprathermal ions are observed that might be related to pick-up acceleration of photoionized exospheric populations as far as 5R(V) upstream in the solar wind as has been observed before by missions such as Pioneer Venus Orbiter and Venus Express. Near the closest approach of Solar Orbiter, the Galactic cosmic ray (GCR) count rate was observed to decrease by approximately 5 percent, which is consistent with the amount of sky obscured by the planet, suggesting a negligible abundance of GCR albedo particles at over 2 R-V. Along with modulation of the GCR population very close to Venus, the Solar Orbiter observations show that the Venusian system, even far from the planet, can be an effective accelerator of ions up to similar to 30 keV. This paper is part of a series of the first papers from the Solar Orbiter Venus flyby.
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| 9. |
- Matteini, L., et al.
(författare)
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Solar Orbiter's encounter with the tail of comet C/2019 Y4 (ATLAS) : Magnetic field draping and cometary pick-up ion waves
- 2021
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 656
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. Solar Orbiter is expected to have flown close to the tail of comet C/2019 Y4 (ATLAS) during the spacecraft’s first perihelion in June 2020. Models predict a possible crossing of the comet tails by the spacecraft at a distance from the Sun of approximately 0.5 AU.Aims. This study is aimed at identifying possible signatures of the interaction of the solar wind plasma with material released by comet ATLAS, including the detection of draped magnetic field as well as the presence of cometary pick-up ions and of ion-scale waves excited by associated instabilities. This encounter provides us with the first opportunity of addressing such dynamics in the inner Heliosphere and improving our understanding of the plasma interaction between comets and the solar wind.Methods. We analysed data from all in situ instruments on board Solar Orbiter and compared their independent measurements in order to identify and characterize the nature of structures and waves observed in the plasma when the encounter was predicted.Results. We identified a magnetic field structure observed at the start of 4 June, associated with a full magnetic reversal, a local deceleration of the flow and large plasma density, and enhanced dust and energetic ions events. The cross-comparison of all these observations support a possible cometary origin for this structure and suggests the presence of magnetic field draping around some low-field and high-density object. Inside and around this large scale structure, several ion-scale wave-forms are detected that are consistent with small-scale waves and structures generated by cometary pick-up ion instabilities.Conclusions. Solar Orbiter measurements are consistent with the crossing through a magnetic and plasma structure of cometary origin embedded in the ambient solar wind. We suggest that this corresponds to the magnetotail of one of the fragments of comet ATLAS or to a portion of the tail that was previously disconnected and advected past the spacecraft by the solar wind.
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| 10. |
- Vaivads, Andris, et al.
(författare)
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EIDOSCOPE : particle acceleration at plasma boundaries
- 2012
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Ingår i: Experimental astronomy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0922-6435 .- 1572-9508. ; 33:2-3, s. 491-527
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We describe the mission concept of how ESA can make a major contribution to the Japanese Canadian multi-spacecraft mission SCOPE by adding one cost-effective spacecraft EIDO (Electron and Ion Dynamics Observatory), which has a comprehensive and optimized plasma payload to address the physics of particle acceleration. The combined mission EIDOSCOPE will distinguish amongst and quantify the governing processes of particle acceleration at several important plasma boundaries and their associated boundary layers: collisionless shocks, plasma jet fronts, thin current sheets and turbulent boundary layers. Particle acceleration and associated cross-scale coupling is one of the key outstanding topics to be addressed in the Plasma Universe. The very important science questions that only the combined EIDOSCOPE mission will be able to tackle are: 1) Quantitatively, what are the processes and efficiencies with which both electrons and ions are selectively injected and subsequently accelerated by collisionless shocks? 2) How does small-scale electron and ion acceleration at jet fronts due to kinetic processes couple simultaneously to large scale acceleration due to fluid (MHD) mechanisms? 3) How does multi-scale coupling govern acceleration mechanisms at electron, ion and fluid scales in thin current sheets? 4) How do particle acceleration processes inside turbulent boundary layers depend on turbulence properties at ion/electron scales? EIDO particle instruments are capable of resolving full 3D particle distribution functions in both thermal and suprathermal regimes and at high enough temporal resolution to resolve the relevant scales even in very dynamic plasma processes. The EIDO spin axis is designed to be sun-pointing, allowing EIDO to carry out the most sensitive electric field measurements ever accomplished in the outer magnetosphere. Combined with a nearby SCOPE Far Daughter satellite, EIDO will form a second pair (in addition to SCOPE Mother-Near Daughter) of closely separated satellites that provides the unique capability to measure the 3D electric field with high accuracy and sensitivity. All EIDO instrumentation are state-of-the-art technology with heritage from many recent missions. The EIDOSCOPE orbit will be close to equatorial with apogee 25-30 RE and perigee 8-10 RE. In the course of one year the orbit will cross all the major plasma boundaries in the outer magnetosphere; bow shock, magnetopause and magnetotail current sheets, jet fronts and turbulent boundary layers. EIDO offers excellent cost/benefits for ESA, as for only a fraction of an M-class mission cost ESA can become an integral part of a major multi-agency L-class level mission that addresses outstanding science questions for the benefit of the European science community.
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| 11. |
- Vaivads, Andris, et al.
(författare)
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Turbulence Heating ObserveR - satellite mission proposal
- 2016
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Ingår i: JOURNAL OF PLASMA PHYSICS. - 0022-3778. ; 82
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Universe is permeated by hot, turbulent, magnetized plasmas. Turbulent plasma is a major constituent of active galactic nuclei, supernova remnants, the intergalactic and interstellar medium, the solar corona, the solar wind and the Earth's magnetosphere, just to mention a few examples. Energy dissipation of turbulent fluctuations plays a key role in plasma heating and energization, yet we still do not understand the underlying physical mechanisms involved. THOR is a mission designed to answer the questions of how turbulent plasma is heated and particles accelerated, how the dissipated energy is partitioned and how dissipation operates in different regimes of turbulence. THOR is a single-spacecraft mission with an orbit tuned to maximize data return from regions in near-Earth space - magnetosheath, shock, foreshock and pristine solar wind - featuring different kinds of turbulence. Here we summarize the THOR proposal submitted on 15 January 2015 to the 'Call for a Medium-size mission opportunity in ESAs Science Programme for a launch in 2025 (M4)'. THOR has been selected by European Space Agency (ESA) for the study phase.
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| 12. |
- Carbone, F., et al.
(författare)
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Statistical study of electron density turbulence and ion-cyclotron waves in the inner heliosphere : Solar Orbiter observations
- 2021
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 656
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. The recently released spacecraft potential measured by the RPW instrument on board Solar Orbiter has been used to estimate the solar wind electron density in the inner heliosphere. Aims. The measurement of the solar wind's electron density, taken in June 2020, has been analysed to obtain a thorough characterization of the turbulence and intermittency properties of the fluctuations. Magnetic field data have been used to describe the presence of ion-scale waves. Methods. To study and quantify the properties of turbulence, we extracted selected intervals. We used empirical mode decomposition to obtain the generalized marginal Hilbert spectrum, equivalent to the structure functions analysis, which additionally reduced issues typical of non-stationary, short time series. The presence of waves was quantitatively determined by introducing a parameter describing the time-dependent, frequency-filtered wave power. Results. A well-defined inertial range with power-law scalng was found almost everywhere in the sample studied. However, the Kolmogorov scaling and the typical intermittency effects are only present in fraction of the samples. Other intervals have shallower spectra and more irregular intermittency, which are not described by models of turbulence. These are observed predominantly during intervals of enhanced ion frequency wave activity. Comparisons with compressible magnetic field intermittency (from the MAG instrument) and with an estimate of the solar wind velocity (using electric and magnetic field) are also provided to give general context and help determine the cause of these anomalous fluctuations.
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| 13. |
- Chust, T., et al.
(författare)
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Observations of whistler mode waves by Solar Orbiter's RPW Low Frequency Receiver (LFR) : In-flight performance and first results
- 2021
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 656
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. The Radio and Plasma Waves (RPW) instrument is one of the four in situ instruments of the ESA/NASA Solar Orbiter mission, which was successfully launched on February 10, 2020. The Low Frequency Receiver (LFR) is one of its subsystems, designed to characterize the low frequency electric (quasi-DC - 10 kHz) and magnetic (similar to 1 Hz-10 kHz) fields that develop, propagate, interact, and dissipate in the solar wind plasma. Combined with observations of the particles and the DC magnetic field, LFR measurements will help to improve the understanding of the heating and acceleration processes at work during solar wind expansion.Aims. The capability of LFR to observe and analyze a variety of low frequency plasma waves can be demontrated by taking advantage of whistler mode wave observations made just after the near-Earth commissioning phase of Solar Orbiter. In particular, this is related to its capability of measuring the wave normal vector, the phase velocity, and the Poynting vector for determining the propagation characteristics of the waves.Methods. Several case studies of whistler mode waves are presented, using all possible LFR onboard digital processing products, waveforms, spectral matrices, and basic wave parameters.Results. Here, we show that whistler mode waves can be very properly identified and characterized, along with their Doppler-shifted frequency, based on the waveform capture as well as on the LFR onboard spectral analysis.Conclusions. Despite the fact that calibrations of the electric and magnetic data still require some improvement, these first whistler observations show a good overall consistency between the RPW LFR data, indicating that many science results on these waves, as well as on other plasma waves, can be obtained by Solar Orbiter in the solar wind.
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| 14. |
- Dimmock, A. P., et al.
(författare)
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Analysis of multiscale structures at the quasi-perpendicular Venus bow shock Results from Solar Orbiter's first Venus flyby
- 2022
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 660
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. Solar Orbiter is a European Space Agency mission with a suite of in situ and remote sensing instruments to investigate the physical processes across the inner heliosphere. During the mission, the spacecraft is expected to perform multiple Venus gravity assist maneuvers while providing measurements of the Venusian plasma environment. The first of these occurred on 27 December 2020, in which the spacecraft measured the regions such as the distant and near Venus magnetotail, magnetosheath, and bow shock. Aims. This study aims to investigate the outbound Venus bow shock crossing measured by Solar Orbiter during the first flyby. We study the complex features of the bow shock traversal in which multiple large amplitude magnetic field and density structures were observed as well as higher frequency waves. Our aim is to understand the physical mechanisms responsible for these high amplitude structures, characterize the higher frequency waves, determine the source of the waves, and put these results into context with terrestrial bow shock observations. Methods. High cadence magnetic field, electric field, and electron density measurements were employed to characterize the properties of the large amplitude structures and identify the relevant physical process. Minimum variance analysis, theoretical shock descriptions, coherency analysis, and singular value decomposition were used to study the properties of the higher frequency waves to compare and identify the wave mode. Results. The non-planar features of the bow shock are consistent with shock rippling and/or large amplitude whistler waves. Higher frequency waves are identified as whistler-mode waves, but their properties across the shock imply they may be generated by electron beams and temperature anisotropies. Conclusions. The Venus bow shock at a moderately high Mach number (similar to 5) in the quasi-perpendicular regime exhibits complex features similar to the Earth's bow shock at comparable Mach numbers. The study highlights the need to be able to distinguish between large amplitude waves and spatial structures such as shock rippling. The simultaneous high frequency observations also demonstrate the complex nature of energy dissipation at the shock and the important question of understanding cross-scale coupling in these complex regions. These observations will be important to interpreting future planetary missions and additional gravity assist maneuvers.
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| 15. |
- Eastwood, J. P., et al.
(författare)
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THEMIS observations of a hot flow anomaly : Solar wind, magnetosheath, and ground-based measurements
- 2008
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Ingår i: Geophysical Research Letters. - 0094-8276 .- 1944-8007. ; 35:17, s. L17S03-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The THEMIS spacecraft encountered a Hot Flow Anomaly ( HFA) on the dusk flank of the Earth's bow shock on 4 July 2007, observing it on both sides of the shock. Meanwhile, the THEMIS ground magnetometers traced the progress of the associated Magnetic Impulse Event along the dawn flank of the magnetosphere, providing a unique opportunity to study the transmission of the HFA through the shock and the subsequent downstream response. THEMIS-A, in the solar wind, observed classic HFA signatures. Isotropic electron distributions inside the upstream HFA are attributed to the action of the electron firehose instability. THEMIS-E, just downstream, observed a much more complex disturbance with the pressure perturbation decoupled from the underlying discontinuity. Simple calculations show that the pressure perturbation would be capable of significantly changing the magnetopause location, which is confirmed by the ground-based observations.
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| 16. |
- Graham, Daniel B., et al.
(författare)
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Kinetic electrostatic waves and their association with current structures in the solar wind
- 2021
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 656
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. A variety of kinetic electrostatic and electromagnetic waves develop in the solar wind and the relationship between these waves and larger scale structures, such as current sheets and ongoing turbulence, remain a topic of investigation. Similarly, the instabilities producing ion-acoustic waves in the solar wind are still an open question. Aims. The goals of this paper are to investigate electrostatic Langmuir and ion-acoustic waves in the solar wind at 0.5 AU and determine whether current sheets and associated streaming instabilities can produce the observed waves. The relationship between these waves and currents observed in the solar wind is investigated statistically. Methods. Solar Orbiter's Radio and Plasma Waves instrument suite provides high-resolution snapshots of the fluctuating electric field. The Low Frequency Receiver resolves the waveforms of ion-acoustic waves and the Time Domain Sampler resolves the waveforms of both ion-acoustic and Langmuir waves. Using these waveform data, we determine when these waves are observed in relation to current structures in the solar wind, estimated from the background magnetic field. Results. Langmuir and ion-acoustic waves are frequently observed in the solar wind. Ion-acoustic waves are observed about 1% of the time at 0.5 AU. The waves are more likely to be observed in regions of enhanced currents. However, the waves typically do not occur at current structures themselves. The observed currents in the solar wind are too small to drive instability by the relative drift between single ion and electron populations. When multi-component ion or electron distributions are present, the observed currents may be sufficient for instabilities to occur. Ion beams are the most plausible source of ion-acoustic waves in the solar wind. The spacecraft potential is confirmed to be a reliable probe of the background electron density when comparing the peak frequencies of Langmuir waves with the plasma frequency calculated from the spacecraft potential.
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| 17. |
- Hadid, L. Z., et al.
(författare)
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Solar Orbiter's first Venus flyby : Observations from the Radio and Plasma Wave instrument
- 2021
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 656
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. On December 27, 2020, Solar Orbiter completed its first gravity assist manoeuvre of Venus (VGAM1). While this flyby was performed to provide the spacecraft with sufficient velocity to get closer to the Sun and observe its poles from progressively higher inclinations, the Radio and Plasma Wave (RPW) consortium, along with other operational in situ instruments, had the opportunity to perform high cadence measurements and study the plasma properties in the induced magnetosphere of Venus.Aims. In this paper, we review the main observations of the RPW instrument during VGAM1. They include the identification of a number of magnetospheric plasma wave modes, measurements of the electron number densities computed using the quasi-thermal noise spectroscopy technique and inferred from the probe-to-spacecraft potential, the observation of dust impact signatures, kinetic solitary structures, and localized structures at the bow shock, in addition to the validation of the wave normal analysis on-board from the Low Frequency Receiver.Methods. We used the data products provided by the different subsystems of RPW to study Venus' induced magnetosphere.Results. The results include the observations of various electromagnetic and electrostatic wave modes in the induced magnetosphere of Venus: strong emissions of similar to 100 Hz whistler waves are observed in addition to electrostatic ion acoustic waves, solitary structures and Langmuir waves in the magnetosheath of Venus. Moreover, based on the different levels of the wave amplitudes and the large-scale variations of the electron number densities, we could identify different regions and boundary layers at Venus.Conclusions. The RPW instrument provided unprecedented AC magnetic and electric field measurements in Venus' induced magnetosphere for continuous frequency ranges and with high time resolution. These data allow for the conclusive identification of various plasma waves at higher frequencies than previously observed and a detailed investigation regarding the structure of the induced magnetosphere of Venus. Furthermore, noting that prior studies were mainly focused on the magnetosheath region and could only reach 10-12 Venus radii (R-V) down the tail, the particular orbit geometry of Solar Orbiter's VGAM1, allowed the first investigation of the nature of the plasma waves continuously from the bow shock to the magnetosheath, extending to similar to 70R(V) in the far distant tail region.
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| 18. |
- Khotyaintsev, Yu, V, et al.
(författare)
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Density fluctuations associated with turbulence and waves First observations by Solar Orbiter
- 2021
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 656
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims. The aim of this work is to demonstrate that the probe-to-spacecraft potential measured by RPW on Solar Orbiter can be used to derive the plasma (electron) density measurement, which exhibits both a high temporal resolution and a high level of accuracy. To investigate the physical nature of the solar wind turbulence and waves, we analyze the density and magnetic field fluctuations around the proton cyclotron frequency observed by Solar Orbiter during the first perihelion encounter (similar to 0.5AU away from the Sun). Methods. We used the plasma density based on measurements of the probe-to-spacecraft potential in combination with magnetic field measurements by MAG to study the fields and density fluctuations in the solar wind. In particular, we used the polarization of the wave magnetic field, the phase between the compressible magnetic field and density fluctuations, and the compressibility ratio (the ratio of the normalized density fluctuations to the normalized compressible fluctuations of B) to characterize the observed waves and turbulence. Results. We find that the density fluctuations are 180 degrees out of phase (anticorrelated) with the compressible component of magnetic fluctuations for intervals of turbulence, whereas they are in phase for the circular-polarized waves. We analyze, in detail, two specific events with a simultaneous presence of left- and right-handed waves at di fferent frequencies. We compare the observed wave properties to a prediction of the three-fluid (electrons, protons, and alphas) model. We find a limit on the observed wavenumbers, 10(-6) < k < 7 > 10(-6) m(-1), which corresponds to a wavelength of 7 x 10(6) > lambda > 10(6) m. We conclude that it is most likely that both the leftand right-handed waves correspond to the low-wavenumber part (close to the cut-o ff at Omega(cHe++)) of the proton-band electromagnetic ion cyclotron (left-handed wave in the plasma frame confined to the frequency range Omega(cHe++) < omega < Omega(cp)) waves propagating in the outwards and inwards directions, respectively. The fact that both wave polarizations are observed at the same time and the identified wave mode has a low group velocity suggests that the double-banded events occur in the source regions of the waves.
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| 19. |
- Kretzschmar, M., et al.
(författare)
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Whistler waves observed by Solar Orbiter/RPW between 0.5 AU and 1 AU
- 2021
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 656
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. Solar wind evolution differs from a simple radial expansion, while wave-particle interactions are assumed to be the major cause for the observed dynamics of the electron distribution function. In particular, whistler waves are thought to inhibit the electron heat flux and ensure the diffusion of the field-aligned energetic electrons (Strahl electrons) to replenish the halo population.Aims. The goal of our study is to detect and characterize the electromagnetic waves that have the capacity to modify the electron distribution functions, with a special focus on whistler waves.Methods. We carried out a detailed analysis of the electric and magnetic field fluctuations observed by the Solar Orbiter spacecraft during its first orbit around the Sun, between 0.5 and 1 AU. Using data from the Search Coil Magnetometer and electric antenna, both part of the Radio and Plasma Waves (RPW) instrumental suite, we detected the electromagnetic waves with frequencies above 3 Hz and determined the statistical distribution of their amplitudes, frequencies, polarization, and k-vector as a function of distance. Here, we also discuss the relevant instrumental issues regarding the phase between the electric and magnetic measurements as well as the effective length of the electric antenna.Results. An overwhelming majority of the observed waves are right-handed circularly polarized in the solar wind frame and identified as outwardly propagating quasi-parallel whistler waves. Their occurrence rate increases by a least a factor of 2 from 1 AU to 0.5 AU. These results are consistent with the regulation of the heat flux by the whistler heat flux instability. Near 0.5 AU, whistler waves are found to be more field-aligned and to have a smaller normalized frequency (f/f(ce)), larger amplitude, and greater bandwidth than at 1 AU.
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| 20. |
- Louarn, P., et al.
(författare)
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Multiscale views of an Alfvenic slow solar wind : 3D velocity distribution functions observed by the Proton-Alpha Sensor of Solar Orbiter
- 2021
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 656
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. The Alfvenic slow solar wind is of particular interest, as it is often characterized by intense magnetic turbulence, complex proton 3D velocity distribution functions (VDF), and an ensuing richness of kinetic and dynamic processes.Aims. We take advantage of the fast time cadence of measurements taken by the Proton-Alpha Sensor (PAS) on board Solar Orbiter to analyze the kinetic properties of the proton population, the variability of their VDFs, and the possible link with propagating magnetic structures. We also study the magnetic (B) and velocity (V) correlation that characterizes this type of wind down to the ion gyroperiod.Methods. We analyzed the VDFs measured by PAS, a novelty that take advantages of the capability of 3D measurements at a 4 Hz cadence. In addition, we considered MAG observations.Results. We first show that there is a remarkable correlation between the B and V components observed down to timescales approaching the ion gyrofrequency. This concerns a wide variety of fluctuations, such as waves, isolated peaks, and discontinuities. The great variability of the proton VDFs is also documented. The juxtaposition of a core and a field-aligned beam is the norm but the relative density of the beam, drift speed, and temperatures can considerably change on scales as short as as a few seconds. The characteristics of the core are comparatively more stable. These variations in the beam characteristics mostly explain the variations in the total parallel temperature and, therefore, in the total anisotropy of the proton VDFs. Two magnetic structures that are associated with significant changes in the shape of VDFs, one corresponding to relaxation of total anisotropy and the other to its strong increase, are analyzed here. Our statistical analysis shows a clear link between total anisotropy (and, thus, beam characteristics) and the direction of B with respect to the Parker spiral. In the present case, flux tubes aligned with Parker spiral contain an average proton VDF with a much more developed beam (thus, with larger total anisotropy) than those that are inclined, perpendicular, or even reverse with regard to the outward direction.Conclusions. These observations document the variability of the proton VDF shape in relation to the propagation of magnetic structures. This is a key area of interest for understanding of the effect of turbulence on solar wind dynamics.
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| 21. |
- Steinvall, Konrad, et al.
(författare)
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Solar wind current sheets and deHoffmann-Teller analysis First results from Solar Orbiter's DC electric field measurements
- 2021
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Ingår i: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 656
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Context. Solar Orbiter was launched on 10 February 2020 with the purpose of investigating solar and heliospheric physics using a payload of instruments designed for both remote and in situ studies. Similar to the recently launched Parker Solar Probe, and unlike earlier missions, Solar Orbiter carries instruments designed to measure low-frequency DC electric fields. Aims. In this paper, we assess the quality of the low-frequency DC electric field measured by the Radio and Plasma Waves instrument (RPW) on Solar Orbiter. In particular, we investigate the possibility of using Solar Orbiter's DC electric and magnetic field data to estimate the solar wind speed. Methods. We used a deHoffmann-Teller (HT) analysis, based on measurements of the electric and magnetic fields, to find the velocity of solar wind current sheets, which minimises a single component of the electric field. By comparing the HT velocity to the proton velocity measured by the Proton and Alpha particle Sensor (PAS), we have developed a simple model for the effective antenna length, L-eff of the E-field probes. We then used the HT method to estimate the speed of the solar wind. Results. Using the HT method, we find that the observed variations in E-y are often in excellent agreement with the variations in the magnetic field. The magnitude of E-y, however, is uncertain due to the fact that the L-eff depends on the plasma environment. Here, we derive an empirical model relating L-eff to the Debye length, which we can use to improve the estimate of E-y and, consequently, the estimated solar wind speed. Conclusions. The low-frequency electric field provided by RPW is of high quality. Using the deHoffmann-Teller analysis, Solar Orbiter's magnetic and electric field measurements can be used to estimate the solar wind speed when plasma data are unavailable.
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| 22. |
- Chust, T., et al.
(författare)
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A low frequency receiver for the Solar Orbiter mission
- 2006
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Low Frequency Receiver (LFR) is one of the main subsystems of the Radio and Plasma Wave (RPW) experiment that we wish to submit in response to a possible Announcement of Opportunity for the Solar Orbiter payload. It will be connected to two different sensor units: an electric antenna unit and a magnetic search coil unit that will be optimized to perform both quasi-DC and high frequency measurements. The LFR is dedicated to analyse and process onboard the low frequency signals from a fraction of a Hertz up to -10 kHz, covering in situ measurements of the electromagnetic waves of the solar wind and extended corona. Due to the telemetry constraints different strategies for analysing and transmitting the data have to be defined, implying different onboard working modes. The design and the technological characteristics of the LFR are presented.
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| 23. |
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| 24. |
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| 25. |
- Hanson, E. L. M., et al.
(författare)
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Cross-Shock Potential in Rippled Versus Planar Quasi-Perpendicular Shocks Observed by MMS
- 2019
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Ingår i: Geophysical Research Letters. - : AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION. - 0094-8276 .- 1944-8007. ; 46:5, s. 2381-2389
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The unprecedented detail of measurements by the four Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft enable deeper investigation of quasi-perpendicular collisionless shocks. We compare shock normals, planarities, and Normal Incidence Frame cross-shock potentials determined from electric field measurements and proxies, for a subcritical interplanetary shock and a supercritical bow shock. The subcritical shock's cross-shock potential was 26 +/- 6 V. The shock scale was 33 km, too short to allow comparison with proxies from ion moments. Proxies from electron moments provided potential estimates of 40 +/- 5 V. Shock normals from magnetic field minimum variance analysis were nearly identical, indicating a planar front. The supercritical shock's cross-shock potential was estimated to be from 290 to 440 V from the different spacecraft measurements, with shock scale 120 km. Reflected ions contaminated the ion-based proxies upstream, whereas electron-based proxies yielded reasonable estimates of 250 +/- 50 V. Shock normals from electric field maximum variance analysis differed, indicating a rippled front. Plain Language Summary An important problem in shock physics is understanding how the incoming plasma flow is thermalized across the shock. The role of the cross-shock electric field has not been well studied. We compare measurements and implicit estimates of cross-shock potential for a quasi-perpendicular weak (low Mach) shock and a quasi-perpendicular strong (moderate/high Mach) shock using data from the four Magnetospheric Multiscale satellites. The weak shock had lower cross-shock potential in the Normal Incidence Frame (about 30 V) than the strong shock (about 300 V). We also estimated the potential deduced from ion and electron data. Electron-based estimates agreed reasonably well with the measurements, but ion-based estimates encountered problems. The weak shock was too short compared to the ion data sampling period, while the strong shock reflected ions back into the upstream flow. Data from individual spacecraft indicated that the surface of the strong shock was not flat but rippled, one reason why its measured potential showed such a broad range.
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