2022
Ref: CTALK-2023-0056

Observation of Magnetic Switchback in the Solar Corona

Telloni, D. ; Zank, G. P. ; ManyOtherAuthors, X ; Berghmans, D. ; Kraaikamp, E. ; Rodriguez, L. ; Verbeeck, C. ; Zhukov, A. N.


Invited talk presented at Solar Orbiter 8, Belfast (UK) on 2022-09-15

Abstract: O64, presented by Marco Romoli Switchbacks are sudden, large radial deflections of the solar wind magnetic field, widely revealed in interplanetary space by the Parker Solar Probe. The switchbacks' formation mechanism and sources are still unresolved, although candidate mechanisms include Alfvénic turbulence, shear-driven Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities, interchange reconnection, and geometrical effects related to the Parker spiral. This Letter presents observations from the Metis coronagraph onboard Solar Orbiter of a single large propagating S-shaped vortex, interpreted as first evidence of a switchback in the solar corona. It originated above an active region with the related loop system bounded by open-field regions to the East and West. Observations, modeling, and theory provide strong arguments in favor of the interchange reconnection origin of switchbacks. Metis measurements suggest that the initiation of the switchback may also be an indicator of the origin of slow solar wind.

Keyword(s): Solar Orbiter ; EUI
Links: link


The record appears in these collections:
Conference Contributions & Seminars > Conference Talks > Invited Talks
Royal Observatory of Belgium > Solar Physics & Space Weather (SIDC)
Solar-Terrestrial Centre of Excellence



 Record created 2023-02-01, last modified 2023-02-01