The physics of particle acceleration at the heliospheric termination shock

Cosmic rays are ubiquitous in space, and the essential similarity of their energy spectra in many different regions places significant general constraints on the mechanisms for their acceleration and confinement. Diffusive shock acceleration is at present the most successful acceleration mechanism proposed, and, together with transport in Kolmogorov turbulence, can account for the universal specta. A unique laboratory for studying the acceleration and transport of charged particles is the outer heliosphere, including the solar wind termination shock and heliosheath.

A widely accepted paradigm for the transport and acceleration of energetic particles in the heliosphere has evolved over the last few decades. This picture has successfully explained many features of the modulation of galactic cosmic rays and the transport and acceleration of anomalous cosmic rays at the solar-wind termination shock. Recent Voyager observations near and beyond the termination shock have revealed new, and in some cases, unexpected phenomena which have led to questions concerning the established paradigm. The physical interpretation of the observations requires a blunt termination shock, rapid inward motion of the shock and temporal variations over time scales ranging from hours to 22 years. Incorporation of these into the physics has promise of explaining most, if not, all of the observed phenomena while retaining the advantages of the termination shock paradigm for both galactic and anomalous cosmic rays.     

Certain problems of solar and heliospheric physics in the light of novel satellite data

Recent satellite data have given a better insight into the possible nature of extremely strong disturbances on the Sun and in the heliosphere by relating them to processes in the solar interior. The energy, momentum, and mass transfer on various spatiotemporal scales are organized in the Sun into a hierarchy of coupled nonlinear processes. Confirmation has been given to the fact that coronal mass ejections and solar flares are not linked causally but merely reflect the existence of two channels of free-energy dissipation in the solar atmosphere in the form of plasma motion and plasma emission; their relative role can be described by a corresponding nondimensional parameter. Information on the global asymmetry of the solar emission and active processes has been gained. A great diversity in the geometry of eruptive events (not necessarily associated with magnetic reconnection) has been revealed. In our opinion, the basic unresolved problems in the investigation of solar activity dictate the necessity of carrying out more accurate, absolutely calibrated measurements of the whitelight solar emission at appropriately high spatiotemporal resolutions. The development of direct and indirect techniques of measuring the electric fields and currents with the aim of reconstructing the solar and heliospheric current system remains a challenging task.     

The sources of large-scale heliospheric disturbances

Observations on a grid of 900 radio sources have been used to map and to track large-scale structures in the solar wind at distances of 0.6–1.5 AU from the Sun. Most of the disturbances were shells of enhanced density followed by high-speed streams lasting for several days, although more stable corotating interaction regions were also observed. Ninety-six disturbances were mapped during August 1978–September 1979 and those of the erupting stream-type were usually accompanied by shocks and geomagnetic activity if they encountered the Earth. Back-projection to the Sun indicated sources that were always associated with coronal holes. Possible associations with solar flares and disappearing filaments occurred but on many occasions no flare or filament activity was evident anywhere on the disc within a suitable time interval. It is concluded that erupting streams are transients generated by coronal hole activity. Evidence is presented which further suggests that coronal mass ejections of the curved-front variety may be identified with these erupting streams.     

The heliospheric plasma tail under the influence of charge exchange processes with interstellar H atoms

The relative motion of the solar system with respect to the ambient interstellar medium is known to form a plasma interface region where the subsonic interstellar and solar wind plasma flows adapt to a pressure equilibrium surface, called the heliopause. Inside this discontinuity surface the solar plasma is deflected from the upwind to the downwind side, finally escaping from the solar system along a heliospheric tail. Due to continuous charge exchange interactions with interstellar H atoms entering from the tailward flanks of the heliopause tail plasma, originating from shocked solar wind, changes its thermodynamic character by cooling and deceleration while passing along the tail to larger downstream distances. Here we describe this charge-exchange-induced modification of the tail plasma up to a final assimilation into the interstellar plasma. On the other hand neutral H atoms are produced by means of charge exchange interactions in the heliotail with velocities by which these atoms are shot back into the inner heliosphere. We calculate the velocity distribution of such H atoms entering the inner heliosphere from the downwind direction and study their contribution to the H-pick-up ion production in the downwind region. As we show in this paper, total H-pick-up ion production rates in the downwind region are dominated by ionization of such anti-tailward H atoms within the orbit of the earth. They also dominate the pick-up ion energy spectrum beyond 4keV at distances between 1 and 10AU.     

Effects of low-frequency instability on the Hall conductivity in plasma: Applications to astrophysics and space physics

In the experiment presently described (which is the continuation of our previous work) we studied the effect of low-frequency drift wave instability on Hall conductivity in plasma. Using an external oscillation we can affect the drift wave amplitude (mainly around resonance), and the variation on Hall conductivity is observed. The effect is probably to be attributed to electron trapping by the waves potential. Good agreement between experimental and calculated values of azimuthal drift currents near and away from resonance lead us to believe that the proposed explanation by electron trapping is correct.In addition, the interaction of plasma with the magnetic field is important in a large variety of astrophysical phenomena. A large class of solar and magnetospheric phenomena involve the conversion of stored magnetic energy to thermal and kinetic energy of the plasma with mechanism in which important role have the plasma's conductivity. Accordingly, this experimental work must be considered as a good laboratory simulation to solar plasma devices.     

The magnetohydrodynamics of black-hole accretion

The solution of basic flow equations of perfect magnetofluid in the fixed background of Kerr space-time has been obtained. We assume that magnetofluid (test) flow around a Kerr black hole is stationary and axisymmetric. A particular solution exhibits the property that flow lines lie on circles of constant radius. In addition, it is found that magnetofluid is endowed with frozen-in magnetic field-i.e., that it moves with the material.     

The magnetohydrodynamics of stellar structures

The equation governing the equilibrium of a centrally-symmetric, self-gravitating distribution of matter is obtained by assuming that matter is described by magnetofluid and it is shown that the equation of stellar structure described by an ideal fluid is recovered when magnetic fieldh is vanishing     

The dielectric analogue of magnetohydrodynamics

Almost half a century after Alfvén first conceived of the science of magnetohydrodynamics, it is still possible to trace his intuitive thinking to explore physical processes heretofore not considered. The ideas of magnetohydrodynamics (applicable to conducting fluids) can be transferred almost intact to purely dielectric fluids, such that we can arrive at a generalized concept applicable toany fluid-conducting or dielectric. In this sense, Alfvén's conception of magnetohydrodynamics may be ideationally even more profound than it has been thought to be so far.Paper dedicated to Professor Hannes Alfvén on the occasion of his 80th birthday, 30 May 1988.     

The three-dimensional geometry of the heliospheric current sheet

The three-dimensional geometry of the heliospheric current sheet seen from fixed points in interplanetary space is constructed for idealized (sinusoidal) magnetic neutral lines (equators) and for an observed magnetic equator on the basis of the “kinematic method” developed by Hakamada and Akasofu (1982). The cross-sections of the wavy current sheet at distances 1, 2 and 5 a.u. are also constructed for the idealized magnetic neutral lines.     

The magnetohydrodynamics of black hole accretion

The entropy accretion rate of perfect thermodynamic magnetofluid (test) flow is obtianed in the framework of Kerr space-time. Accretion by a moving black hole is also investigated, and it is shown that the moving black hole is able to focus the magnetofluid flow lines.     

Recent progress of solar physics research in China

Owing to the largely improved facilities and working conditions,solar physics research in China has recently shown marked development.This paper reports on the recent progress of solar physics research in Mainland China,mainly focusing on several hot issues,including instrumentations,magnetic field observations and research,solar flares,filaments and their eruptions,coronal mass ejections and related processes,as well as active regions and the corona,small-scale phenomena,solar activity and its predictions....     

Equilibrium of space plasma torus

An analytical solution has been found for the non-linear equation governing the equilibrium of the plasma torus.     

The role of space techniques in the understanding of solar variability

The unique advantages of space observations are recalled, and the difficulties in performing reliable measurements of solar variability from space are stressed. The elements of a strategy aimed at improving the accuracy of absolute as well as relative measurements are given. We show with more details how space observations are crucial in determining the causes, the amplitude and the previsions of solar variability. We show how they would permit to gain a better view of the solar interior, of the origin and of the effects of the solar magnetic field. Is the quiet Sun constant? Is the magnetic flux constant? The answer to these questions is likely to be given by space experiments. We state that the understanding of solar variability and its prediction is an extremely difficult and ambitious task which will take a long time. It is urgent that space agencies realize this and start as soon as possible a long term program for measuring the solar constant and the spectral irradiance in various spectral regimes.     

Dynamic equilibrium plasma configurations and physics of the magnetosphere

The impossibility is demonstrated of the limiting transition to a fluid at rest within an area, limited by a specific tangential discontinuity of the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd kind and described by the equations of ideal magnetic hydrodynamics with isotropic or anisotropic pressure. Within the framework of the concept of dynamic equilibrium plasma configuration, evaluations are obtained for the thicknesses of the layer of return flow, electrical field of convection in the magnetosphere and the jump of magnetic field at the magnetopause.     

Suprathermal particle distributions in space physics: Kappa distributions and entropy

The energization of a charged test-particle of mass m in contact with a large ensemble of charged particles of mass M at equilibrium is studied with the Fokker-Planck equation for Coulomb collisions and a quasi-linear diffusion operator for wave-particle interactions. The features of the nonequilibrium steady state velocity distribution of the test-particle system is studied as a function of the mass ratio m/M, and the relative strengths of the wave-particle interactions and Coulomb collisions. It is shown that the steady distribution function is not necessarily a Kappa distribution. The temperature of heavy minor ions given by the model is shown to vary linearly with the mass ratio as observed in the solar wind. The time evolution of the distribution function with and without the energization by wave-particle interactions is calculated and it is demonstrated that the Kullback relative entropy rather than the Tsallis nonextensive entropy rationalizes the results obtained.     

Alfvén waves in a space plasma and its role in the solar wind interaction with comets

The importance of Alfvén wave generation in interacting plasmas is discussed in general and illustrated by the example of solar wind interaction with cometary plasma. The quasi-linear theory of Alfvén wave generation by cometary ions at distances far from the cometary nucleus is reviewed. The incorporation of a diabatic plasma compression effects into this theory modifies the spectrum of Alfvén waves and the integral intensity of magnetic field fluctuations previously published. These results are in quantitative agreement with thein situ observations near the comets Giacobini-Zinner and Halley. However, the polarization of quasi-linearly excited waves needs further detailed comparison with observations.Paper dedicated to Professor Hannes Alfvén on the occasion of his 80th birthday, 30 May 1988.     

The magnetospheric plasma as a source of energy for space instrumentation

It is proposed to convert the thermal motion of a plasma into electrical power: energetic electrons collected by a plate dissipate their energy into a load, and are re-injected into the medium by means of an electron source. This concept may find applications in the magnetospheres of the outer planets, but present knowledge does not allow one to assess whether the energy fluxes are sufficient for practical applications. It is therefore neccessary to perform in situ preliminary investigations with electron emitters. It is pointed out that electron sources can be simultaneously used for additional tasks: spacecraft potential clamping, plasma diagnostics and detection of electromagnetic and electrostatic waves.     

The magnetohydrodynamics model of twin kilohertz quasi-periodic oscillations in low-mass X-ray binaries

We suggest an explanation for the twin kilohertz quasi-periodic oscillations (kHz QPOs) in low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) based on magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) oscillation modes in neutron star magnetospheres. Including the effect of the neutron star spin, we derive several MHD wave modes by solving the dispersion equations, and propose that the coupling of the two resonant MHD modes may lead to the twin kHz QPOs. This model naturally relates the upper, lower kHz QPO frequencies with the spin frequencies of the neutron stars, and can well account for the measured data of six LMXBs.