Particles and fields in the outer solar system

Abstract

Use of the MJS77 and MJU missions to perform on site studies of the outer heliosphere and the local interstellar medium is discussed. Subjects for investigation are described, including fluctuations and instabilities of the solar wind in the outer solar system, profiles of the interstellar medium, and interactions between the solar wind and the interstellar medium. On site studies of interstellar cosmic rays are proposed, in particular obtaining interstellar spectra of cosmic ray nuclei and electrons and determining the cosmic-ray modulation region of the heliosphere. The general goals and requirements of the MJS77 and MJU missions are outlined.