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Title: Small-scale Magnetic Flux Ropes in Stream Interaction Regions from Parker Solar Probe and Wind Spacecraft Observations
Abstract Using in situ measurements from the Parker Solar Probe and Wind spacecraft, we investigate the small-scale magnetic flux ropes (SFRs) and their properties inside stream interaction regions (SIRs). Within SIRs from ∼0.15 to 1 au, SFRs are found to exist in a wide range of solar wind speeds with more frequent occurrences after the stream interface, and the Alfvénicity of these structures decreases significantly with increasing heliocentric distances. Furthermore, we examine the variation of five corresponding SIRs from the same solar sources. The enhancements of suprathermal electrons within these SIRs persist at 1 au and are observed multiple times. An SFR appears to occur repeatedly with the recurring SIRs and is traversed by the Wind spacecraft at least twice. This set of SFRs has similarities in variations of the magnetic field components, plasma bulk properties, density ratio of solar wind alpha and proton particles, and unidirectional suprathermal electrons. We also show, through the detailed time-series plots and Grad–Shafranov reconstruction results, that they possess the same chirality and carry comparable amounts of magnetic flux. Lastly, we discuss the possibility for these recurring SFRs to be formed via interchange reconnection, maintain the connection with the Sun, and survive up to 1 au.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2229064 2229065
PAR ID:
10418608
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
The Astrophysical Journal
Volume:
943
Issue:
1
ISSN:
0004-637X
Page Range / eLocation ID:
33
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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