Density And Velocity Fluctuations of Alpha Particles in Magnetic Switchbacks

Abstract

Magnetic switchbacks, or sudden reversals in the magnetic field's radial direction, are one of the more striking observations of Parker Solar Probe (PSP) thus far in its mission. While their precise production mechanisms are still unknown, the two main theories are via interchange reconnection events and in-situ generation. In this work density and abundance variations of alpha particles are studied inside and outside individual switchbacks. We find no consistent compositional differences in the alpha particle abundance ratio, $n_{\alpha p}$, inside vs outside, nor do we observe any signature when separating the switchbacks according to $V_{\alpha p}/V_{pw}$, the ratio of alpha-proton differential speed to the wave phase speed (speed the switchback is travelling). We argue these measurements cannot be used to rule in favour of one production mechanism over the other, due to the distance between PSP and the postulated interchange reconnection events. In addition we examine the 3D velocity fluctuations of protons and alpha particles within individual switchbacks. While switchbacks are always associated with increases in proton velocity, alpha velocities may be enhanced, unchanged, or decrease. This is due to the interplay between $V_{pw}$ and $V_{\alpha p}$, with the Alfvénic motion of the alpha particles vanishing as the difference $|V_{pw}-V_{\alpha p}|$ decreases. We show how the Alfvénic motion of both the alphas and the protons through switchbacks can be understood as approximately rigid arm rotation about the location of the wave frame, and illustrate that the wave frame can therefore be estimated using particle measurements alone, via sphere fitting.

To be published in ApJ

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Cited by in corpus (6)

• In situ observations of large amplitude Alfvén waves heating and accelerating the solar wind
• The Structure and Origin of Switchbacks: Parker Solar Probe Observations
• Parker Solar Probe Observations of High Plasma Beta Solar Wind from Streamer Belt
• The Temperature, Electron, and Pressure Characteristics of Switchbacks: Parker Solar Probe Observations
• Modeling hot, anisotropic ion beams in the solar wind motivated by the Parker Solar Probe observations near perihelia
• Reconstructing the Sun's Alfvén surface and wind braking torque with Parker Solar Probe