Periodicities in an active region correlated with Type III radio bursts observed by Parker Solar Probe

Context. Periodicities have frequently been reported across many wavelengths in the solar corona. Correlated periods of ~5 minutes, comparable to solar p-modes, are suggestive of coupling between the photosphere and the corona. Aims. Our study investigates whether there are correlations in the periodic behavior of Type III radio bursts, indicative of non-thermal electron acceleration processes, and coronal EUV emission, assessing heating and cooling, in an active region when there are no large flares. Methods. We use coordinated observations of Type III radio bursts from the FIELDS instrument on Parker Solar Probe (PSP), of extreme ultraviolet emissions by the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)/AIA and white light observations by SDO/HMI, and of solar flare x-rays by Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) on April 12, 2019. Several methods for assessing periodicities are utilized and compared to validate periods obtained. Results. Periodicities of about 5 minutes in the EUV in several areas of an active region are well correlated with the repetition rate of the Type III radio bursts observed on both PSP and Wind. Detrended 211A and 171A light curves show periodic profiles in multiple locations, with 171A peaks lagging those seen in 211A. This is suggestive of impulsive events that result in heating and then cooling in the lower corona. NuSTAR x-rays provide evidence for at least one microflare during the interval of Type III bursts, but there is not a one-to-one correspondence between the x-rays and the Type-III bursts. Our study provides evidence for periodic acceleration of non-thermal electrons (required to generate Type III radio bursts) when there were no observable flares either in the x-ray data or the EUV. The acceleration process, therefore, must be associated with small impulsive events, perhaps nanoflares

Tracking a beam of electrons from the low solar corona into interplanetary space with the Low Frequency Array, Parker Solar Probe and 1 au spacecraft

Type III radio bursts are the result of plasma emission from mildly relativistic electron beams propagating from the low solar corona into the heliosphere where they can eventually be detected in situ if they align with the location of a heliospheric spacecraft. Here we observe a type III radio burst from 0.1-16 MHz using the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) FIELDS Radio Frequency Spectrometer (RFS), and from 10-80 MHz using the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR). This event was not associated with any detectable flare activity but was part of an ongoing noise storm that occurred during PSP encounter 2. A deprojection of the LOFAR radio sources into 3D space shows that the type III radio burst sources were located on open magnetic field from 1.6-3 $R_\odot$ and originated from a specific active region near the East limb. Combining PSP/RFS observations with WIND/WAVES and Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO)/WAVES, we reconstruct the type III radio source trajectory in the heliosphere interior to PSP's position, assuming ecliptic confinement. An energetic electron enhancement is subsequently detected in situ at the STEREO-A spacecraft at compatible times although the onset and duration suggests the individual burst contributes a subset of the enhancement. This work shows relatively small-scale flux emergence in the corona can cause the injection of electron beams from the low corona into the heliosphere, without needing a strong solar flare. The complementary nature of combined ground and space-based radio observations, especially in the era of PSP, is also clearly highlighted by this study.Comment: 17 pages, 10 figures, Submitted to ApJ, April 15 202

Tracking a Beam of Electrons from the Low Solar Corona into Interplanetary Space with the Low Frequency Array, Parker Solar Probe, and 1 au Spacecraft

Type III radio bursts are the result of plasma emission from mildly relativistic electron beams propagating from the low solar corona into the heliosphere where they can eventually be detected in situ if they align with the location of a heliospheric spacecraft. Here we observe a type III radio burst from 0.1 to 16 MHz using the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) FIELDS Radio Frequency Spectrometer (RFS) and from 20 to 80 MHz using the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR). This event was not associated with any detectable flare activity but was part of an ongoing type III and noise storm that occurred during PSP encounter 2. A deprojection of the LOFAR radio sources into 3D space shows that the type III radio burst sources were located on open magnetic field from 1.6 to 3 R (circle dot) and originated from a near-equatorial active region around longitude E48 degrees. Combining PSP/RFS observations with WIND/WAVES and Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) WAVES, we reconstruct the type III radio source trajectory in the heliosphere interior to PSP's position, assuming ecliptic confinement. An energetic electron enhancement is subsequently detected in situ at the STEREO A spacecraft at compatible times, although the onset and duration suggests the individual burst contributes a subset of the enhancement. This work shows relatively small-scale flux emergence in the corona can cause the injection of electron beams from the low corona into the heliosphere, without needing a strong solar flare. The complementary nature of combined ground and space-based radio observations, especially in the era of PSP, is also clearly highlighted by this study

Erratum: "The Role of Alfvén Wave Dynamics on the Large-scale Properties of the Solar Wind: Comparing an MHD Simulation with Parker Solar Probe E1 data"

During Parker Solar Probe's first orbit, the solar wind plasma was observed in situ closer than ever before, the perihelion on 2018 November 6 revealing a flow that is constantly permeated by large-amplitude Alfv&eacute;nic fluctuations. These include radial magnetic field reversals, or switchbacks, that seem to be a persistent feature of the young solar wind. The measurements also reveal a very strong, unexpected, azimuthal velocity component. In this work, we numerically model the solar corona during this first encounter, solving the MHD equations and accounting for Alfv&eacute;n wave transport and dissipation. We find that the large-scale plasma parameters are well reproduced, allowing the computation of the solar wind sources at Probe with confidence. We try to understand the dynamical nature of the solar wind to explain both the amplitude of the observed radial magnetic field and of the azimuthal velocities. &nbsp;</p

The Temperature, Electron, and Pressure Characteristics of Switchbacks: Parker Solar Probe Observations

Parker Solar Probe (PSP) observes unexpectedly prevalent switchbacks, which are rapid magnetic field reversals that last from seconds to hours, in the inner heliosphere, posing new challenges to understanding their nature, origin, and evolution. In this work, we investigate the thermal states, electron pitch angle distributions, and pressure signatures of both inside and outside switchbacks, separating a switchback into spike, transition region (TR), and quiet period (QP). Based on our analysis, we find that the proton temperature anisotropies in TRs seem to show an intermediate state between spike and QP plasmas. The proton temperatures are more enhanced in spike than in TR and QP, but the alpha temperatures and alpha-to-proton temperature ratios show the opposite trends, implying that the preferential heating mechanisms of protons and alphas are competing in different regions of switchbacks. Moreover, our results suggest that the electron integrated intensities are almost the same across the switchbacks but the electron pitch angle distributions are more isotropic inside than outside switchbacks, implying switchbacks are intact structures but strong scattering of electrons happens inside switchbacks. In addition, the examination of pressures reveals that the total pressures are comparable through a switchback, confirming switchbacks are pressure-balanced structures. These characteristics could further our understanding of ion heating, electron scattering, and the structure of switchbacks.Comment: submitted to Ap

Parker Solar Probe Observations of High Plasma Beta Solar Wind from Streamer Belt

In general, slow solar wind from the streamer belt forms a high plasma beta equatorial plasma sheet around the heliospheric current sheet (HCS) crossing, namely the heliospheric plasma sheet (HPS). Current Parker Solar Probe (PSP) observations show that the HCS crossings near the Sun could be full or partial current sheet crossing (PCS), and they share some common features but also have different properties. In this work, using the PSP observations from encounters 4 to 10, we identify streamer belt solar wind from enhancements in plasma beta, and we further use electron pitch angle distributions to separate it into HPS solar wind that around the full HCS crossings and PCS solar wind that in the vicinity of PCS crossings. Based on our analysis, we find that the PCS solar wind has different characteristics as compared with HPS solar wind: a) PCS solar wind could be non-pressure-balanced structures rather than magnetic holes, and the total pressure enhancement mainly results from the less reduced magnetic pressure; b) some of the PCS solar wind are mirror unstable; c) PCS solar wind is dominated by very low helium abundance but varied alpha-proton differential speed. We suggest the PCS solar wind could originate from coronal loops deep inside the streamer belt, and it is pristine solar wind that still actively interacts with ambient solar wind, thus it is valuable for further investigations on the heating and acceleration of slow solar wind

Using Parker Solar Probe observations during the first four perihelia to constrain global magnetohydrodynamic models

Context. Parker Solar Probe (PSP) is providing an unprecedented view of the Sun’s corona as it progressively dips closer into the solar atmosphere with each solar encounter. Each set of observations provides a unique opportunity to test and constrain global models of the solar corona and inner heliosphere and, in turn, use the model results to provide a global context for interpreting such observations. Aims. In this study, we develop a set of global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model solutions of varying degrees of sophistication for PSP’s first four encounters and compare the results with in situ measurements from PSP, Stereo-A, and Earth-based spacecraft, with the objective of assessing which models perform better or worse. We also seek to understand whether the so-called ‘open flux problem’, which all global models suffer from, resolves itself at closer distances to the Sun. Methods. The global structure of the corona and inner heliosphere is calculated using three different MHD models. The first model (“polytropic”), replaced the energy equation as a simple polytropic relationship to compute coronal solutions and relied on an ad hoc method for estimating the boundary conditions necessary to drive the heliospheric model. The second model (“thermodynamic”) included a more sophisticated treatment of the energy equation to derive the coronal solution, yet it also relied on a semi-empirical approach to specify the boundary conditions of the heliospheric model. The third model (“WTD”) further refines the transport of energy through the corona, by implementing the so-called wave-turbulence-driven approximation. With this model, the heliospheric model was run directly with output from the coronal solutions. All models were primarily driven by the observed photospheric magnetic field using data from Solar Dynamics Observatory’s Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager instrument. Results. Overall, we find that there are substantial differences between the model results, both in terms of the large-scale structure of the inner heliosphere during these time periods, as well as in the inferred timeseries at various spacecraft. The “thermodynamic” model, which represents the “middle ground”, in terms of model complexity, appears to reproduce the observations most closely for all four encounters. Our results also contradict an earlier study that had hinted that the open flux problem may disappear nearer the Sun. Instead, our results suggest that this “missing” solar flux is still missing even at 26.9RS, and thus it cannot be explained by interplanetary processes. Finally, the model results were also used to provide a global context for interpreting the localized in situ measurements. Conclusions. Earlier studies suggested that the more empirically-based polytropic solutions provided the best matches with observations. The results presented here, however, suggest that the thermodynamic approach is now superior. We discuss possible reasons for why this may be the case, but, ultimately, more thorough comparisons and analyses are required. Nevertheless, it is reassuring that a more sophisticated model appears to be able to reproduce observations since it provides a more fundamental glimpse into the physical processes driving the structure we observe

Periodicities in an active region correlated with Type III radio bursts observed by Parker Solar Probe

ContextPeriodicities have frequently been reported across many wavelengths in the solar corona. Correlated periods of ~5 min, comparable to solar p-modes, are suggestive of coupling between the photosphere and the corona.AimsOur study investigates whether there are correlations in the periodic behavior of Type III radio bursts which are indicative of nonthermal electron acceleration processes, and coronal extreme ultraviolet (EUV) emission used to assess heating and cooling in an active region when there are no large flares.MethodsWe used coordinated observations of Type III radio bursts from the FIELDS instrument on Parker Solar Probe (PSP), of EUV emissions by the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) and white light observations by SDO Helioseismic and Magnetic Image (HMI), and of solar flare X-rays by Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) on April 12, 2019. Several methods for assessing periodicities are utilized and compared to validate periods obtained.ResultsPeriodicities of ~5 min in the EUV in several areas of an active region are well correlated with the repetition rate of the Type III radio bursts observed on both PSP and Wind. Detrended 211 and 171 Å light curves show periodic profiles in multiple locations, with 171 Å peaks sometimes lagging those seen in 211 Å. This is suggestive of impulsive events that result in heating and then cooling in the lower corona. NuSTAR X-rays provide evidence for at least one microflare during the interval of Type III bursts, but there is not a one-to-one correspondence between the X-rays and the Type III bursts. Our study provides evidence for periodic acceleration of nonthermal electrons (required to generate Type III radio bursts) when there were no observable flares either in the X-ray data or the EUV. The acceleration process, therefore, must be associated with small impulsive events, perhaps nanoflares

Measurement of the open magnetic flux in the inner heliosphere down to 0.13 AU

International audienceContext. Robustly interpreting sets of in situ spacecraft data of the heliospheric magnetic field (HMF) for the purpose of probing the total unsigned magnetic flux in the heliosphere is critical for constraining global coronal models as well as understanding the large scale structure of the heliosphere itself. The heliospheric flux (ΦH) is expected to be a spatially conserved quantity with a possible secular dependence on the solar cycle and equal to the measured radial component of the HMF weighted by the square of the measurement's heliographic distance (BRR2). It is also expected to constitute a direct measurement of the total unsigned magnetic flux escaping the corona (Φopen). Previous work indicates that measurements of ΦH exceed the value predicted by standard coronal models (the "open flux problem"). However, the value of the open flux derived from in situ measurements remains uncertain because it depends on the method employed to derive it. Past derivations also pointed towards an increase in ΦH with heliocentric distance, although this may also be related to its method of computation. Aims: In this work, we attempt to determine a more robust estimate of the heliospheric magnetic flux (ΦH) using data from the FIELDS instrument on board Parker Solar Probe (PSP), to analyse how susceptible it is to overestimation and a dependence on time and space, as well as considering how it compares to simple estimates of Φopen from potential field source surface (PFSS) models. Methods: We compared computations of the heliospheric magnetic flux using different methods of data processing on magnetic field data from PSP, STEREO A, and Wind. Measured radial trends in fluctuations and background magnetic structure were used to generate synthetic data to analyse their effect on the estimate of BRR2. The resulting best estimates were computed as a function of time and space and then compared to estimates from PFSS models. Results: Radially varying fluctuations of the HMF vector as well as large-scale variations in the inclination of the Parker spiral angle are shown to have a non-trivial effect on the 1D distributions of BRR2. This causes the standard statistical metrics of the mean and mode (the most probable values) to evolve with radius, independently of the central value about which the vector fluctuates. In particular, the mean systematically underestimates ΦH for R −0.6+0.3 nT AU2. To the extent probed by PSP, no strong dependence on latitude or longitude is apparent, although at 1 AU, the spread of measured values appears to grow at the highest latitudes. The best estimate of the heliospheric flux is significantly larger than estimates from PFSS models studied here, which predict values from 1.2-1.8 nT AU2, depending on the choice of magnetogram or source surface height. Conclusions: Of the methods for computing the heliospheric flux over a wide range of heliocentric distances using only magnetic field data considered in this work, the most robust choice is to use the PSM. The decay of fluctuations and weakening importance of local flux inversions at smaller heliocentric distances indicate that the measurement is most accurate close to the sun and that it is justified for us to consider that ΦH ~ Φopen for these measurements. The determined value is too high to be explained via PFSS models. Contemporary magnetohydrodynamic models with the same photospheric input are unlikely to close this gap. Therefore, the most likely solutions remain in improvements of coronal models, for example, through improved boundary conditions via the direct measurement of the photospheric field in the solar polar regions or through the inclusion of missing physical processes such as time-dependent or non-potential effects, which can produce a contribution to the open flux that is not rooted in obvious coronal holes