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Detection of small magnetic flux ropes from the third and fourth Parker Solar Probe encounters

  • L. L. Zhao
  • , G. P. Zank
  • , Q. Hu
  • , D. Telloni
  • , Y. Chen
  • , L. Adhikari
  • , M. Nakanotani
  • , J. C. Kasper
  • , J. Huang
  • , S. D. Bale
  • , K. E. Korreck
  • , A. W. Case
  • , M. Stevens
  • , J. W. Bonnell
  • , T. Dudok De Wit
  • , K. Goetz
  • , P. R. Harvey
  • , R. J. MacDowall
  • , D. M. Malaspina
  • , M. Pulupa
  • D. E. Larson, R. Livi, P. Whittlesey, K. G. Klein, N. E. Raouafi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Context. Aims. We systematically search for magnetic flux rope structures in the solar wind to within the closest distance to the Sun of ~0.13 AU, using data from the third and fourth orbits of the Parker Solar Probe. Methods. We extended our previous magnetic helicity-based technique of identifying magnetic flux rope structures. The method was improved upon to incorporate the azimuthal flow, which becomes larger as the spacecraft approaches the Sun. Results. A total of 21 and 34 magnetic flux ropes are identified during the third (21-day period) and fourth (17-day period) orbits of the Parker Solar Probe, respectively. We provide a statistical analysis of the identified structures, including their relation to the streamer belt and heliospheric current sheet crossing.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numberA12
JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics
Volume650
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2021

Keywords

  • Methods: observational
  • Solar wind
  • Sun: magnetic fields
  • Turbulence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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