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Marc Pulupa

Publications and source records attributed to Marc Pulupa.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Weak Solar Radio Bursts from the Solar Wind Acceleration Region Observed by Parker Solar Probe and Its Probable Emission Mechanism

The Parker Solar Probe (PSP) provides us the unprecedentedly close approach observation to the Sun, and hence the possibility of directly understanding the "elementary process" which occurs in the kinetic scale of particles collective interactioin in solar coronal plasmas. We reported a kind of weak solar radio bursts (SRBs), which are detected by PSP when it passed a low-density magnetic channel during its second encounter phase. These weak SRBs have low starting frequecny $\sim 20$ MHz and narrow frequency range from a few tens MHz to a few hundres kHz. Their dynamic spectra display a strongly evolving feature of the intermediate relative drift rate decreasing rapidly from above 0.01/s to below 0.01/s. Analyses based on common empirical models of solar coronal plasmas indicate that these weak SRBs originate from the heliocentric distance $\sim 1.1-6.1~R_S$ (the solar radius), a typical solar wind acceleration region with a low-$β$ plasma, and indicate that their soruces have a typic motion velociy $\sim v_A$ (Alfvén velocity) obviously lower than that of fast electrons required by effectively exciting SRBs. We propose that solitary kinetic Alfvén waves with kinetic scales can be responsible for the generation of these small-scalevweak SRBs, called solitary wave radiation (SWR).

astro-ph.SR↗

Fundamental-harmonic pairs of interplanetary type III radio bursts

Type III radio bursts are not only the most intense but also the most frequently observed solar radio bursts. However, a number of their defining features remain poorly understood. Observational limitations, such as a lack of sufficient spectral and temporal resolution, have hindered a full comprehension of the emission process, especially in the hecto-kilometric wavelengths. Of particular difficulty is the ability to detect the harmonics of type III radio bursts. Hereafter we report for the first detailed observations of type III fundamental-harmonic pairs in the hecto-kilometric wavelengths, observed by the Parker Solar Probe. We present the statistical analysis of spectral characteristics and the polarization measurements of the fundamental-harmonic pairs. Additionally, we quantify various characteristic of the fundamental-harmonic pairs, such as the time-delay and time-profile asymmetry. Our report and preliminary analysis conclude that fundamental-harmonic pairs constitute a majority of all type III radio bursts observed during close encounters 6 -- 10 when the probe is in close proximity to the source region and propagation effects are less pronounced.

astro-ph.SR↗

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 an individual switchback, confirming switchbacks are pressure-balanced structures. These characteristics could further our understanding of ion heating, electron scattering, and the structure of switchbacks.

physics.space-ph↗

The Structure and Origin of Switchbacks: Parker Solar Probe Observations

Switchbacks are rapid magnetic field reversals that last from seconds to hours. Current Parker Solar Probe (PSP) observations pose many open questions in regard to the nature of switchbacks. For example, are they stable as they propagate through the inner heliosphere, and how are they formed? In this work, we aim to investigate the structure and origin of switchbacks. In order to study the stability of switchbacks, we suppose the small-scale current sheets therein are generated by magnetic braiding, and they should work to stabilize the switchbacks. With more than one thousand switchbacks identified with PSP observations in seven encounters, we find many more current sheets inside than outside switchbacks, indicating that these microstructures should work to stabilize the S-shaped structures of switchbacks. Additionally, we study the helium variations to trace the switchbacks to their origins. We find both helium-rich and helium-poor populations in switchbacks, implying that the switchbacks could originate from both closed and open magnetic field regions in the Sun. Moreover, we observe that the alpha-proton differential speeds also show complex variations as compared to the local Alfvén speed. The joint distributions of both parameters show that low helium abundance together with low differential speed is the dominant state in switchbacks. The presence of small-scale current sheets in switchbacks along with the helium features are in line with the hypothesis that switchbacks could originate from the Sun via interchange reconnection process. However, other formation mechanisms are not excluded.

physics.space-ph↗

On the evolution of the Anisotropic Scaling of Magnetohydrodynamic Turbulence in the Inner Heliosphere

We analyze a merged Parker Solar Probe ($PSP$) and Solar Orbiter ($SO$) dataset covering heliocentric distances $13 \ R_{\odot} \lesssim R \lesssim 220$ $R_{\odot}$ to investigate the radial evolution of power and spectral-index anisotropy in the wavevector space of solar wind turbulence. Our results show that anisotropic signatures of turbulence display a distinct radial evolution when fast, $V_{sw} \geq ~ 400 ~km ~s^{-1}$, and slow, $V_{sw} \leq ~ 400 ~km ~s^{-1}$, wind streams are considered. The anisotropic properties of slow wind in Earth orbit are consistent with a ``critically balanced'' cascade, but both spectral-index anisotropy and power anisotropy diminish with decreasing heliographic distance. Fast streams are observed to roughly retain their near-Sun anisotropic properties, with the observed spectral index and power anisotropies being more consistent with a ``dynamically aligned'' type of cascade, though the lack of extended fast-wind intervals makes it difficult to accurately measure the anisotropic scaling. A high-resolution analysis during the first perihelion of PSP confirms the presence of two sub-ranges within the inertial range, which may be associated with the transition from weak to strong turbulence. The transition occurs at $κd_{i} \approx 6 \times 10^{-2}$, and signifies a shift from -5/3 to -2 and -3/2 to -1.57 scaling in parallel and perpendicular spectra, respectively. Our results provide strong observational constraints for anisotropic theories of MHD turbulence in the solar wind.

physics.space-ph↗

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.

physics.space-ph↗

LuSEE 'Night': The Lunar Surface Electromagnetics Experiment

The Lunar Surface Electromagnetics Explorer 'LuSEE Night' is a low frequency radio astronomy experiment that will be delivered to the farside of the Moon by the NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program in late 2025 or early 2026. The payload system is being developed jointly by NASA and the US Department of Energy (DOE) and consists of a 4 channel, 50 MHz Nyquist baseband receiver system and 2 orthogonal $\sim$6m tip-to-tip electric dipole antennas. LuSEE Night will enjoy standalone operations through the lunar night, without the electromagnetic interference (EMI) of an operating lander system and antipodal to our noisy home planet.

astro-ph.IM↗

Constraining a Model of the Radio Sky Below 6 MHz Using the Parker Solar Probe/FIELDS Instrument in Preparation for Upcoming Lunar-based Experiments

We present a Bayesian analysis of data from the FIELDS instrument on board the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) spacecraft with the aim of constraining low frequency ($\lesssim$ 6 MHz) sky in preparation for several upcoming lunar-based experiments. We utilize data recorded during PSP's ``coning roll'' maneuvers, in which the axis of the spacecraft is pointed 45$^{\circ}$ off of the Sun. The spacecraft then rotates about a line between the Sun and the spacecraft with a period of 24 minutes. We reduce the data into two formats: roll-averaged, in which the spectra are averaged over the roll, and phase-binned, in which the spectra are binned according to the phase of the roll. We construct a forward model of the FIELDS observations that includes numerical simulations of the antenna beam, an analytic emissivity function of the galaxy, and estimates of the absorption due to free electrons. Fitting 5 parameters, we find that the roll-averaged data can be fit well by this model and we obtain posterior parameter constraints that are in general agreement with previous estimates. The model is not, however, able to fit the phase-binned data well, likely due to limitations such as the lack of non-smooth emission structure at both small and large scales, enforced symmetry between the northern and southern galactic hemispheres, and large uncertainties in the free electron density. This suggests that significant improvement in the low frequency sky model is needed in order to fully and accurately represent the sky at frequencies below 6 MHz.

astro-ph.GA↗

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 20-80 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 1.6-3 R$_\odot$ and originated from a near-equatorial active region around longitude E48$^o$. Combining PSP/RFS observations with WIND/WAVES and 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.

astro-ph.SR↗

Patches of magnetic switchbacks and their origins

Parker Solar Probe (PSP) has shown that the solar wind in the inner heliosphere is characterized by the quasi omni-presence of magnetic switchbacks ("switchback" hereinafter), local backward-bends of magnetic field lines. Switchbacks also tend to come in patches, with a large-scale modulation that appears to have a spatial scale size comparable to supergranulation on the Sun. Here we inspect data from the first ten encounters of PSP focusing on different time intervals when clear switchback patches were observed by PSP. We show that the switchbacks modulation, on a timescale of several hours, seems to be independent of whether PSP is near perihelion, when it rapidly traverses large swaths of longitude remaining at the same heliocentric distance, or near the radial-scan part of its orbit, when PSP hovers over the same longitude on the Sun while rapidly moving radially inwards or outwards. This implies that switchback patches must also have an intrinsically temporal modulation most probably originating at the Sun. Between two consecutive patches, the magnetic field is usually very quiescent with weak fluctuations. We compare various parameters between the quiescent intervals and the switchback intervals. The results show that the quiescent intervals are typically less Alfvénic than switchback intervals, and the magnetic power spectrum is usually shallower in quiescent intervals. We propose that the temporal modulation of switchback patches may be related to the "breathing" of emerging flux that appears in images as the formation of "bubbles" below prominences in the Hinode/SOT observations.

astro-ph.SR↗

Characteristic scales of magnetic switchback patches near the Sun and their possible association with solar supergranulation and granulation

Parker Solar Probe (PSP) data recorded within a heliocentric radial distance of 0.3 AU have revealed a magnetic field dominated by Alfvénic structures that undergo large local variations or even reversals of the radial magnetic field. They are called magnetic switchbacks, they are consistent with folds in magnetic field lines within a same magnetic sector, and are associated with velocity spikes during an otherwise calmer background. They are thought to originate either in the low solar atmosphere through magnetic reconnection processes, or result from the evolution of turbulence or velocity shears in the expanding solar wind. In this work, we investigate the temporal and spatial characteristic scales of magnetic switchback patches. We define switchbacks as a deviation from the nominal Parker spiral direction and detect them automatically for PSP encounters 1, 2, 4 and 5. We focus in particular on a 5.1-day interval dominated by switchbacks during E5. We perform a wavelet transform of the solid angle between the magnetic field and the Parker spiral and find periodic spatial modulations with two distinct wavelengths, respectively consistent with solar granulation and supergranulation scales. In addition we find that switchback occurrence and spectral properties seem to depend on the source region of the solar wind rather than on the radial distance of PSP. These results suggest that switchbacks are formed in the low corona and modulated by the solar surface convection pattern.

astro-ph.SR↗

The role of Alfvén wave dynamics on the large scale properties of the solar wind: comparing an MHD simulation with PSP E1 data

During Parker Solar Probe's first orbit, the solar wind plasma has been observed in situ closer than ever before, the perihelion on November 6th 2018 revealing a flow that is constantly permeated by large amplitude Alfvénic 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 Alfvén 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.

astro-ph.SR↗

Direct First PSP Observation of the Interaction of Two Successive Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections in November 2020

We investigate the effects of the evolutionary processes in the internal magnetic structure of two interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) detected in situ between 2020 November 29 and December 1 by Parker Solar Probe (PSP). The sources of the ICMEs were observed remotely at the Sun in EUV and subsequently tracked to their coronal counterparts in white light. This period is of particular interest to the community since it has been identified as the first widespread solar energetic particle event of Solar Cycle 25. The distribution of various solar and heliospheric-dedicated spacecraft throughout the inner heliosphere during PSP observations of these large-scale magnetic structures enables a comprehensive analysis of the internal evolution and topology of such structures. By assembling different models and techniques, we identify the signatures of interaction between the two consecutive ICMEs and the implications for their internal structure. We use multispacecraft observations in combination with a remote-sensing forward modeling technique, numerical propagation models, and in-situ reconstruction techniques. The outcome, from the full reconciliations, demonstrates that the two CMEs are interacting in the vicinity of PSP. Thus, we identify the in-situ observations based on the physical processes that are associated with the interaction and collision of both CMEs. We also expand the flux rope modeling and in-situ reconstruction technique to incorporate the aging and expansion effects in a distorted internal magnetic structure and explore the implications of both effects in the magnetic configuration of the ICMEs.

astro-ph.SR↗

Exploring the Solar Wind from its Source on the Corona into the Inner Heliosphere during the First Solar Orbiter - Parker Solar Probe Quadrature

This Letter addresses the first Solar Orbiter (SO) -- Parker Solar Probe (PSP) quadrature, occurring on January 18, 2021, to investigate the evolution of solar wind from the extended corona to the inner heliosphere. Assuming ballistic propagation, the same plasma volume observed remotely in corona at altitudes between 3.5 and 6.3 solar radii above the solar limb with the Metis coronagraph on SO can be tracked to PSP, orbiting at 0.1 au, thus allowing the local properties of the solar wind to be linked to the coronal source region from where it originated. Thanks to the close approach of PSP to the Sun and the simultaneous Metis observation of the solar corona, the flow-aligned magnetic field and the bulk kinetic energy flux density can be empirically inferred along the coronal current sheet with an unprecedented accuracy, allowing in particular estimation of the Alfvén radius at 8.7 solar radii during the time of this event. This is thus the very first study of the same solar wind plasma as it expands from the sub-Alfvénic solar corona to just above the Alfvén surface.

astro-ph.SR↗

Ambipolar electric field and potential in the solar wind estimated from electron velocity distribution functions

The solar wind escapes from the solar corona and is accelerated, over a short distance, to its terminal velocity. The energy balance associated with this acceleration remains poorly understood. To quantify the global electrostatic contribution to the solar wind dynamics, we empirically estimate the ambipolar electric field ($\mathrm{E}_\parallel$) and potential ($Φ_\mathrm{r,\infty}$). We analyse electron velocity distribution functions (VDFs) measured in the near-Sun solar wind, between 20.3\,$R_S$ and 85.3\,$R_S$, by the Parker Solar Probe. We test the predictions of two different solar wind models. Close to the Sun, the VDFs exhibit a suprathermal electron deficit in the sunward, magnetic field aligned part of phase space. We argue that the sunward deficit is a remnant of the electron cutoff predicted by collisionless exospheric models (Lemaire & Sherer 1970, 1971, Jockers 1970). This cutoff energy is directly linked to $Φ_\mathrm{r,\infty}$. Competing effects of $\mathrm{E}_\parallel$ and Coulomb collisions in the solar wind are addressed by the Steady Electron Runaway Model (SERM) (Scudder 2019). In this model, electron phase space is separated into collisionally overdamped and underdamped regions. We assume that this boundary velocity at small pitch angles coincides with the strahl break-point energy, which allows us to calculate $\mathrm{E}_\parallel$. The obtained $Φ_\mathrm{r,\infty}$ and $\mathrm{E}_\parallel$ agree well with theoretical expectations. They decrease with radial distance as power law functions with indices $α_Φ= -0.66$ and $α_\mathrm{E} = -1.69$. We finally estimate the velocity gained by protons from electrostatic acceleration, which equals to 77\% calculated from the exospheric models, and to 44\% from the SERM model.

astro-ph.SR↗

Precision Electron Measurements in the Solar Wind at 1 au from NASA's Wind Spacecraft

This work aims to characterize precisely and systematically the non-thermal characteristics of the electron Velocity Distribution Function (eVDF) in the solar wind at 1 au using data from the Wind spacecraft. We present a comprehensive statistical analysis of solar wind electrons at 1 au using the electron analyzers of the 3D-Plasma instrument on board Wind. This work uses a sophisticated algorithm developed to analyze and characterize separately the three populations - core, halo and strahl - of the eVDF up to 2 keV. The eVDF data are calibrated using independent electron parameters obtained from the quasi-thermal noise around the electron plasma frequency measured by the Thermal Noise Receiver. The code determines the respective set of total electron, core, halo and strahl parameters through non-linear least-square fits to the measured eVDF, taking properly into account spacecraft charging and other instrumental effects. We use four years, ~ 280000 independent measurements of core, halo and strahl parameters to investigate the statistical properties of these different populations in the solar wind. We discuss the distributions of their respective densities, drift velocities, temperature, and temperature anisotropies as functions of solar wind speed. We also show distributions with solar wind speed of the total density, temperature, temperature anisotropy and heat flux, as well as those of the proton temperature, proton-to-electron temperature ratio, proton and electron beta. Intercorrelations between some of these parameters are also discussed. The present dataset represents the largest, high-precision, collection of electron measurements in the pristine solar wind at 1~AU. It provides a new wealth of information on electron microphysics. Its large volume will enable future statistical studies of parameter combinations and their dependencies under different plasma conditions.

physics.space-ph↗

Alfvénic versus non-Alfvénic turbulence in the inner heliosphere as observed by Parker Solar Probe

We make use of the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) data to explore the nature of solar wind turbulence focusing on the Alfvénic character and power spectra of the fluctuations and their dependence on distance and context (i.e. large scale solar wind properties), aiming to understand the role that different effects such as source properties, solar wind expansion, stream interaction might play in determining the turbulent state. We carry out a statistical survey of the data from the first five orbits of PSP with a focus on how the fluctuation properties at the large, MHD scales, vary with different solar wind streams and distance from the Sun. A more in-depth analysis from several selected periods is also presented. Our results show that as fluctuations are transported outward by the solar wind, the magnetic field spectrum steepens while the shape of the velocity spectrum remains unchanged. The steepening process is controlled by the "age" of the turbulence, determined by the wind speed together with the radial distance. Statistically, faster solar wind has higher "Alfvénicity", with more dominant outward propagating wave component and more balanced magnetic/kinetic energies. The outward wave dominance gradually weakens with radial distance, while the excess of magnetic energy is found to be stronger as we move closer toward the Sun. We show that the turbulence properties can vary significantly stream to stream even if these streams are of similar speed, indicating very different origins of these streams. Especially, the slow wind that originates near the polar coronal holes has much lower Alfvénicity compared with the slow wind that originates from the active regions/pseudostreamers. We show that structures such as heliospheric current sheets and velocity shears can play an important role in modifying the properties of the turbulence.

astro-ph.SR↗

Measurement of the Open Magnetic Flux in the Inner Heliosphere down to 0.13AU

(Abridged) Aim: We attempt to determine robust estimates of the heliospheric magnetic flux ($Φ_H$) using Parker Solar Probe (PSP) data, analyze how susceptible this is to overestimation compared to the true open flux ($Φ_{open}$), assess its dependence on time and space, and compare it to simple estimates from Potential Field Source Surface (PFSS) models. Methods: We compare different methods of computation using data from PSP, STEREO A and Wind. The effects of fluctuations and large scale structure on the estimate are probed by using measured radial trends to produce synthetic data. Best estimates are computed as a function of time and space, and compared to estimates from PFSS models. Results: Radially-varying fluctuations of the HMF vector and variation of the Parker spiral angle cause the standard metrics of the mean and mode to evolve with radius independent of the central value about which the vector fluctuates. This is best mitigated by projecting the vector into the background Parker spiral direction. Nevertheless, we find a small enhancement in flux close to 1AU. The fraction of locally inverted field lines grows with radial distance from the Sun which remains a possible physical reason for this excess, but is negligible at PSP`s perihelia. Similarly, the impact of fluctuations in general is much reduced at PSP`s perihelia. The overall best estimate is ~2.5 nT AU2 . No strong dependence on latitude or longitude is apparent. The PFSS models predict lower values from 1.2 to 1.8 nT AU2. Conclusions: The heliospheric flux is robustly estimated relative to a mean Parker spiral direction at PSP`s perihelia where the decay of fluctuations and weakening importance of local flux inversions means $Φ_H$ ~ $Φ_{open}$. Despite this, the estimate remains too high to be explained by PFSS models, supporting the idea that coronal models underestimate the open magnetic flux.

astro-ph.SR↗