Solar Orbiter observations of the structure of reconnection outflow layers in the solar wind

C. J. Owen*, A. C. Foster, R. Bruno, S. Livi, P. Louarn, M. Berthomier, A. Fedorov, C. Anekallu, D. Kataria, C. W. Kelly, G. R. Lewis, G. Watson, L. Bercic, D. Stansby, G. Suen, D. Verscharen, V. Fortunato, G. Nicolaou, R. T. Wicks, I. J. RaeB. Lavraud, T. S. Horbury, H. O'Brien, V. Evans, V. Angelini

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalLetterpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)
39 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

We briefly review an existing model of the structure of reconnection layers which predicts that several more distinct layers, in the form of contact discontinuities, rotational Alfvèn waves, or slow shocks, should be identifiable in solar wind reconnection events than are typically reported in studies of reconnection outflows associated with bifurcated current sheets. We re-examine this notion and recast the identification of such layers in terms of the changes associated with the boundaries of both the ion and electron outflows from the reconnection current layers. We then present a case study using Solar Orbiter MAG and SWA data, which provides evidence consistent with this picture of extended multiple layers around the bifurcated current sheet. A full confirmation of this picture requires more detailed examination of the particle distributions in this and other events. However, we believe this concept is a valuable framework for considering the nature of reconnection layers in the solar wind.
Original languageEnglish
Article numberL8
Pages (from-to)1-5
Number of pages5
JournalAstronomy & Astrophysics
Volume656
Early online date7 Oct 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 14 Dec 2021

Keywords

  • Magnetic fields
  • Magnetic reconnection
  • Plasmas
  • Solar wind
  • Sun: heliosphere

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Solar Orbiter observations of the structure of reconnection outflow layers in the solar wind'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this