SOLAR WIND DISTURBANCES ASSOCIATED WITH FLARES.
Abstract
The structure of the quiet solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field is reviewed to provide background and perspective for the discussion of solar wind disturbances associated with flares. Corotating structures with a recurrence period of about 27 days must be distinguished from structures directly produced by flares. Flare-induced discontinuities have been interpreted as low Mach number shock waves; in one such event (which appears to be fairly typical) the solar wind velocity increased from 340 to 385 km/sec, the density increased from 9 to 23 protons/cc, and the average temperature increased from 30,000 to 80,000 degrees K. In another event the interplanetary magnetic field strength increased from 12.2 to 20.8 x 10 to the -5th power gauss, and the rms deviation of the orthagonal components of the field approximately doubled. Many interplanetary shock waves appear to be decelerated as they expand and propagate through the solar wind plasma. The most reasonable interpretation appears to be in terms of an intermediate strength shock wave with an energy input in the range of 10 to the 30th power to 10 to the 32nd power ergs. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 06, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0669925
Entities
People
- John M. Wilcox
Organizations
- University of California, Berkeley