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At least 613 records · Page 34

Grant Proposal for the Continuation of the Voyager Interstellar Mission: LECP Investigation

This proposal documents the plans of the Low Energy Charged Particle (LECP) investigation team for participation in NASA's Voyager Interstellar Mission (VIM) as the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft explore the outer reaches of the heliosphere and search for the termination shock and the heliopause. The proposal covers the four year period from 1 January 1997 to 31 December 2000. The LECP instruments on Voyager 1 and 2 measure in situ intensities of charged particles with energies from about 30 keV to 100 MeV for ions, and about 20 keV to greater than 10 MeV for electrons. The instruments provide detailed spectral, angular, and compositional information about the particles. Composition is available for greater than 200 keV/nuc using multi-parameter measurements. Angular information is obtained by a mechanically scanned platform that rotates at various commanded rates. Measurements of low energy ion and electron intensities versus time and spatial location within the heliosphere contain an abundance of information regarding various transport and acceleration processes on both local (approx. 1 hr, approx. 0.01 AU) and global (approx. 11 yrs, approx. 100 AU) scales. The LECP instruments provide unique observations of such dynamical processes, and we anticipate that it will return critical information regarding the boundaries of the heliosphere. Several recent and exciting discoveries based on LECP measurements emphasize the important role that low energy charged particle distributions play in physical processes in the interplanetary medium. Yet, at the same time, these discoveries also underscore the fact that our understanding of processes in the outer heliosphere is, in most cases, incomplete, and in others, only rudimentary at best. Among the discoveries referred to above are the following: (1) Shocks: Examination of greater than 30 keV ion intensities have revealed: (a) a total absence of acceleration beyond only -100-200 keV at a strong transient shock in May 1991 at 35 AU, despite an enhanced level of seed particles; (b) a large transient shock in September 1991 of global scale, with intensities of shock-accelerated ions greater than or equal to 30 keV to approx. 30 MeV showing complex, highly energy-dependent spatial evolution, and small-scale (approx. few gyroradii), often anisotropic, micro-structures; (c) recurrent intensity increases in greater than or equal to 30 keV to -few MeV ions, with structures that, in some cases, show no correlation with the associated corotating shock. (2) Superthermal ion pressure: A global merged interaction region with a leading shock, downstream of which the superthermal ion (greater than or equal to 30 keV to approx. 4 MeV) pressure is comparable to that of the thermal plasma, and the total particle pressure yields a plasma beta of order unity. (3) Pickup ions: Measurements of the C/O ratio within transient structures at 35-45 AU showing the first clear evidence that transient shocks can pre-accelerate interstellar pickup ions from approx. 1 keV/nuc to at least 1 MeV/nuc. (4) Seed particles: Injection of ions for acceleration to high energies at the termination shock is unlikely to be a problem, since interplanetary transient and recurrent shocks are continually accelerating ions, of solar wind or interstellar origin, to highly superthermal energies. (5) Precursor electrons: Ambient solar electrons (greater than or equal to few tens of keV) that exist in the outer heliosphere ca form a broad precursor, several days wide, that is upstream of the termination shock and potentially observable a few months prior to the shock crossing. (6) Solar wind velocity at Voyager 1: We can use LECP ion data to obtain the solar wind velocity at Voyager 1, enabling us to provide critical measurement of the plasma flow as we approach and encounter the termination shock and other regions (necessary due to the partial failure of the Voyager 1 PLS experiment). The work of the LECP investigator team during the VIM will include: (1) Continuing operations with regard to the receipt, processing, verification, cataloging, display, and distribution of the data from the LECP instruments on Voyager 1 and 2, (2) Monitoring the health and performance of the LECP instruments, and evaluating and characterizing the response of the LECP instruments to various energetic particle and plasma environments, (3) Participating in, and supporting Voyager Project planning exercises and other coordinated activities relevant to exploration of the outer heliosphere, (4) Developing analysis techniques and operational procedures suitable for searching for and characterizing the boundaries and unique regions of the outher heliosphere, (5) Continuing the preparation of data sets appropriate for submission to the National Space Sciences Data Center (NSSDC) and, where appropriate, the Planetary Data System (PDS), (6) Maintaining direct Web access to online LECP data through the JHU/APL Voyager LECP home page, (7) Performing scientific evaluations of the Voyager 1 and 2 LECP data sets in conjunction with other data sets and other investigators, with particular focus on the outer regions of the heliosphere, and (8) Publishing the results of these evaluations in the scientific literature and presenting the results in scientific conferences.

Krimigis, Stamatios M.↗

Virtual Energetic Particle Observatory (VEPO)

The Virtual Energetic Particle Observatory (VEPO) focuses on improved discovery, access, and usability of heliospheric energetic particle and ancillary data products from selected spacecraft and sub-orbital instruments of the heliophysics data environment. The energy range of interest extends over the full range of particle acceleration from keV energies of suprathermal seed particles to GeV energies of galactic cosmic ray particles. Present spatial coverage is for operational and legacy spacecraft operating from the inner to the outer heliosphere, e.g. from measurements by the two Helios spacecraft to 0.3 AU to the inner heliosheath region now being traversed by the two Voyager spacecraft. This coverage will eventually be extended inward to ten solar radii by the planned NASA solar probe mission and at the same time beyond the heliopause into the outer heliosheath by continued Voyager operations. The geospace fleet of spacecraft providing near-Earth interplanetary measurements, selected magnetospheric spacecraft providing direct measurements of penetrating interplanetary energetic particles, and interplanetary cruise measurements from planetary spacecraft missions further extend VEPO resources to the domain of geospace and planetary interactions. Ground-based (e.g., neutron monitor) and high-altitude suborbital measurements can expand coverage to the highest energies of galactic cosmic rays affected by heliospheric interaction and of solar energetic particles. Science applications include investigation of solar flare and coronal mass ejection events. acceleration and transport of interplanetary particles within the inner heliosphere, cosmic ray interactions with planetary surfaces and atmospheres, sources of suprathermal and anomalous cosmic ray ions in the outer heliosphere, and solar cycle modulation of galactic cosmic rays. Robotic and human exploration, and eventual habitation, of planetary and space environments beyond the Earth require knowledge of radiation hazards informed by VEPO data resources. The VEPO project has completed the first year of work to define science requirements, to document and register selected data products in SPASE format while evolving SPASE for increased applicability to VEPO data, and to support enhanced discovery and access for these products through the evolving data query and middleware system of the Virtual Heliospheric Observatory (VHO). The VEPO team operates as a heliophysics focus group for energetic particle data resources in partnership with VHO and also leverages existing data services of NASA's Space Physics Data Facility. We invite comments from the U.S. and international data provider and user communities on review of the current VEPO/VHO user interface, on directions for future evolution of VEPO and supporting data systems including VHO and SPDF, and on relations to other elements of the heliophysics virtual observatory environment.

Cooper, John F.↗

the role of shock waves in modulation of galactic cosmic rays

The understanding of modulation of the galactic cosmic rays has considerably progressed by the exploration by space probes of major heliospheric structures, such as the Corotating Interaction Regions, the neutral sheet, and the compression regions of intense heliospheric magnetic fields. Also relevant in this context were the detections in the outer heliosphere of long lasting Forbush type decreases of cosmic ray intensity. The results of recent theoretical studies on the changes in intensity and energy, at different location from the Sun, induced by the passage of shocks across the heliosphere are presented. In this version of the research, the simplest cases of modulation of uGV and 2GV particles by single or several shocks during periods of positive and negative solar field polarity are reviewed. The results of the theoretical aspects of the search is reported. The comparison of the theoretical predictions with space probe data allows conclusions to be drawn on the role of shocks on the modulation on both the 11 and 22 year galactic cosmic ray cycles in the outer heliosphere and on the plausibility of the models and parameters used.

Gall, R.↗

Model Insensitive and Calibration Independent Method for Determination of the Downstream Neutral Hydrogen Density Through Ly-alpha Glow Observations

Our knowledge of the various heliospheric phenomena (location of the solar wind termination shock, heliopause configuration and very local interstellar medium parameters) is limited by uncertainties in the available heliospheric plasma models and by calibration uncertainties in the observing instruments. There is, thus, a strong motivation to develop model insensitive and calibration independent methods to reduce the uncertainties in the relevant heliospheric parameters. We have developed such a method to constrain the downstream neutral hydrogen density inside the heliospheric tail. In our approach we have taken advantage of the relative insensitivity of the downstream neutral hydrogen density profile to the specific plasma model adopted. We have also used the fact that the presence of an asymmetric neutral hydrogen cavity surrounding the sun, characteristic of all neutral densities models, results in a higher multiple scattering contribution to the observed glow in the downstream region than in the upstream region. This allows us to approximate the actual density profile with one which is spatially uniform for the purpose of calculating the downstream backscattered glow. Using different spatially constant density profiles, radiative transfer calculations are performed, and the radial dependence of the predicted glow is compared with the observed I/R dependence of Pioneer 10 UV data. Such a comparison bounds the large distance heliospheric neutral hydrogen density in the downstream direction to a value between 0.05 and 0.1/cc.

Gangopadhyay, P.↗

Cosmic Ray Telescope Experiment (CRT), Pioneer 10/11 Program

In May 1996 the electrical power on Pioneer 10 was no longer adequate to support the Cosmic Ray Telescope Experiment (CRT). In March 1997 ground based operations for the mission were terminated. The 25 years of Pioneer 10 were a remarkable voyage of discovery as it ventured into a vast new unexplored region of space. These observations by the Pioneer experiments led in the development of a new discipline of space science - heliospheric physics. For cosmic ray studies it was an incredible era, leading to the identification of new energetic particle populations and processes and initiating the study of the dynamics and large-scale structure and began the study of the dynamics and large-scale structure of the outer heliosphere. A summary of some of the principal scientific findings of the CRT experiment over this period is given in the next section. Even with the cessation of data from the Pioneer 10/11 mission there remained a great deal of scientific analysis and data archiving that required on the order of an additional three years of effort on the part of the CRT team. We have tried to select those tasks where the P10/11 CRT data have an important role to play. Special emphasis is placed on long-term synoptic studies that make use of the extended temporal and spatial coverage of the missions and the full capabilities of the CRT experiment. The major scientific objectives of this study are: (1) A phenomenological study of the modulation process in the heliosphere, thereby laying the foundation for developing a unified model of cosmic ray modulation over a complete 22 year heliomagnetic cycle; (2) These modulation studies and the temporal changes in the cosmic ray intensities also provide information on the large-scale structure and dynamics of the outer heliosphere; (3) use the galactic and anomalous cosmic ray data from Pioneer 10 to obtain a more accurate estimate of the distance to the modulation boundary and to the termination shock; (4) Use the results from (2) and from temporal variations to determine whether significant modulation occurs in the region of the heliosphere; (5)study the acceleration and transport of low energy solar interplanetary energetic particles and their relation to solar activity and interplanetary phenomena.

McDonald, Frank B.↗

Ulysses Launch

Ulysses is a joint mission between the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) to explore the heliosphere over the full range of solar latitudes, especially in the polar regions. The goal of the Ulysses mission is to provide an accurate assessment of our total solar environment. This collaborative ESA/NASA mission will, for the first time, explore the heliosphere -- the region of space that is dominated by the Sun-- within a few astronomical units of the Sun over the full range of heliographic latitudes. The path followed by the spacecraft, using a Jupiter gravity-assist to achieve a trajectory extending to high solar latitudes, will enable the highly sophisticated scientific instruments on board to make measurements in the uncharted third dimension of the heliosphere. The Ulysses spacecraft will carry nine scientific instruments to measure the properties of the solar corona, the solar wind, the Sun/wind interface, the heliospheric magnetic field, solar radio bursts, plasma waves, solar X-rays, solar and galactic cosmic rays, and the interplanetary/interstellar neutral gas and dust. Scientists will take advantage of the enormous distance between the spacecraft and the Earth to perform astrophysical measurements and to search for gravitational waves. In conjunction with instrumentation on Earth-orbiting spacecraft, Ulysses will help to precisely locate the mysterious sources of cosmic gamma bursts. The results obtained will help to solve outstanding problems in solar and heliospheric physics, while undoubtedly revealing new and unanticipated phenomena.

Source record↗

Coronal Transient Ejections and Outflows During the CR 2068 WHI Campaign

The Whole Heliospheric Interval (WHI) campaigns began with a set of coordinated observations over Carrington Rotation (CR) 2068, which was from March~20 to April~16, 2008. An ultimate objective of WHI to understand the 3-D nature of the heliosphere. Activity on the Sun is the engine that drives the dynamics of the heliosphere, and therefore delineation of the characteristics of the Sun's atmosphere and its output over the period of study is vital to the success of WHI\@. Here we discuss the origins of solar structures that can lead to heliospheric effects, with an emphasis on observations during the CR~2068 WHI interval. These structures include both outflows from open-field regions, and transients originating from closed-field regions. Our focus will be mainly on the latter, and we will specifically consider the coronal source regions of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and other transients that escape out into the heliosphere, for example in the form of slow expansions or as narrow jets. Over the CR~2068 period we have identified about 30 such transients, with about 20\% of them being moderately to very prominent. We will consider these feature s source regions by examining low-coronal data, along with solar surface magnetograms that provide the magnetic setting of the eruptions. Through intercomparisons of these data, we infer the coronal setup for different eruptions, and the implications for models that attempt to describe eruption-onset mechanisms.

Sterling, Alphonse C.↗

A Model for the Sources of the Slow Solar Wind

Models for the origin of the slow solar wind must account for two seemingly contradictory observations: The slow wind has the composition of the closed-field corona, implying that it originates from the continuous opening and closing of flux at the boundary between open and closed field. On the other hand, the slow wind has large angular width, up to approximately 60 degrees, suggesting that its source extends far from the open-closed boundary. We propose a model that can explain both observations. The key idea is that the source of the slow wind at the Sun is a network of narrow (possibly singular) open-field corridors that map to a web of separatrices and quasi-separatrix layers in the heliosphere. We compute analytically the topology of an open-field corridor and show that it produces a quasi-separatrix layer in the heliosphere that extends to angles far front the heliospheric current sheet. We then use an MHD code and MIDI/SOHO observations of the photospheric magnetic field to calculate numerically, with high spatial resolution, the quasi-steady solar wind and magnetic field for a time period preceding the August 1, 2008 total solar eclipse. Our numerical results imply that, at least for this time period, a web of separatrices (which we term an S-web) forms with sufficient density and extent in the heliosphere to account for the observed properties of the slow wind. We discuss the implications of our S-web model for the structure and dynamics of the corona and heliosphere, and propose further tests of the model.

Antiochos, Spiro K.↗

A Model fot the Sources of the Slow Solar Wind

Models for the origin of the slow solar wind must account for two seemingly contradictory observations: the slow wind has the composition of the closed-field corona, implying that it originates from the continuous opening and closing of flux at the boundary between open and closed field. On the other hand, the slow wind also has large angular width, up to approx.60deg, suggesting that its source extends far from the open-closed boundary. We propose a model that can explain both observations. The key idea is that the source of the slow wind at the Sun is a network of narrow (possibly singular) open-field corridors that map to a web of separatrices and quasi-separatrix layers in the heliosphere. We compute analytically the topology of an open-field corridor and show that it produces a quasi-separatrix layer in the heliosphere that extends to angles far from the heliospheric current sheet. We then use an MHD code and MDI/SOHO observations of the photospheric magnetic field to calculate numerically, with high spatial resolution, the quasi-steady solar wind, and magnetic field for a time period preceding the 2008 August 1 total solar eclipse. Our numerical results imply that, at least for this time period, a web of separatrices (which we term an S-web) forms with sufficient density and extent in the heliosphere to account for the observed properties of the slow wind. We discuss the implications of our S-web model for the structure and dynamics of the corona and heliosphere and propose further tests of the model. Key words: solar wind - Sun: corona - Sun: magnetic topology

Antiochos, S. K.↗

Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP): A New NASA Mission

The Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) is a revolutionary mission that simultaneously investigates two of the most important overarching issues in Heliophysics today: the acceleration of energetic particles and interaction of the solar wind with the local interstellar medium. While seemingly disparate, these are intimately coupled because particles accelerated in the inner heliosphere play critical roles in the outer heliospheric interaction. Selected by NASA in 2018, IMAP is planned to launch in 2024. The IMAP spacecraft is a simple sun-pointed spinner in orbit about the Sun-Earth L1 point. IMAP's ten instruments provide a complete and synergistic set of observations to simultaneously dissect the particle injection and acceleration processes at 1 AU while remotely probing the global heliospheric interaction and its response to particle populations generated by these processes. In situ at 1 AU, IMAP provides detailed observations of solar wind electrons and ions; suprathermal, pickup, and energetic ions; and the interplanetary magnetic field. For the outer heliosphere interaction, IMAP provides advanced global observations of the remote plasma and energetic ions over a broad energy range via energetic neutral atom imaging, and precise observations of interstellar neutral atoms penetrating the heliosphere. Complementary observations of interstellar dust and the ultraviolet glow of interstellar neutrals further deepen the physical understanding from IMAP. IMAP also continuously broadcasts vital real-time space weather observations. Finally, IMAP engages the broader Heliophysics community through a variety of innovative opportunities. This papersummarizes the IMAP mission at the start of Phase A development.

McComas, D. J.↗

First Measurements of Jovian Electrons by Parker Solar Probe/ISʘIS Within 0.5 AU of the Sun

Energetic electrons of Jovian origin have been observed for decades throughout the heliosphere, as far as 11 astronomical units (au), and as close as 0.5 au, from the Sun. The treatment of Jupiter as a continuously emitting point source of energetic electrons has made Jovian electrons a valuable tool in the study of energetic electron transport within the heliosphere. We present observations of Jovian electrons measured by the EPI-Hi instrument in the Integrated Science Investigation of the Sun (IS ʘ IS) instrument suite on Parker Solar Probe at distances within 0.5 au of the Sun. These are the closest measurements of Jovian electrons to the Sun, providing a new opportunity to study the propagation and transport of energetic electrons to the inner heliosphere. We also find periods of nominal connection between the spacecraft and Jupiter in which expected Jovian electron enhancements are absent. Several explanations for these absent events are explored, including stream interaction regions (SIRs) between Jupiter and Parker Solar Probe and the spacecraft lying on the opposite side of the heliospheric current sheet from Jupiter, both of which could impede the flow of the electrons. These observations provide an opportunity to gain a greater insight into electron transport through a previously unexplored region of the inner heliosphere.

J. G. Mitchell↗

Long-Term Science Goals with In Situ Observations at the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point L4

The Korean heliospheric community, led by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI), is currently assessing the viability of deploying a spacecraft at the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point L4 in collaboration with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The aim of this mission is to utilize a combination of remote sensing and in situ instruments for comprehensive observations, complementing the capabilities of the L1 and L5 observatories. The paper outlines long-term scientific objectives, underscoring the significance of multi-point in-situ observations to better understand critical heliospheric phenomena. These include coronal mass ejections, magnetic flux ropes, heliospheric current sheets, kinetic waves and instabilities, suprathermal electrons and solar energetic particle events, as well as remote detection of solar radiation phenomena. Furthermore, the mission’s significance in advancing space weather prediction and space radiation exposure assessment models through the integration of L4 observations is discussed. This article is concluded with an emphasis on the potential of L4 observations to propel advancements in heliospheric science.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Radial evolution of the solar wind turbulence with application to charged particle transport

The proposed research efforts funded by the Pioneer-Venus Guest Investigator Grant to the Bartol Research Institute center on a study of the radial and temporal variation of the large-scale interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) and include a study of the radial variation of the observed north-south asymmetry of the IMF spiral based on the previous results of Bieber (1988). The preliminary results of Bieber demonstrated that at Earth orbit there exists an asymmetry between the yearly average winding angles of toward and away sector fields that can be as large as 10 degrees. The Bieber (1988) analysis employed the NSSDC omnitape data set of 1 AU measurements. When the observed asymmetry is related to the state of the solar magnetic dipole, it is possible to conclude that the IMF north of the heliospheric current sheet is more tightly wound than the IMF spiral south of the current sheet. The average difference in the winding angle as measured over a 21 year period spanning 1965 through 1985 was 3.1 degrees + 1.1 degrees. The Bieber analysis was able to rule-out several possible sources for the observed behavior including a possible asymmetry in the solar wind speed or the observed hemispherical dependence of solar rotation. The object of this research was to extend this previous result to include observations within the inner and outer heliosphere, to examine the radial dependence of the reported asymmetry, and to better resolve the possible source of the observations. The Pioneer-Venus Orbiter has proven to be the perfect monitor for the inner heliospheric observations. It has provided 9 years of continuous observations at a fixed heliocentric distance (except for those periods when the spacecraft was within the region of space where the magnetic field is influenced by the presence of the planet). Comparisons between the 1 AU observations recorded on the NSSDC omnitape and the 0.7 AU observations of the Pioneer-Venus Orbiter have greatly improved our understanding of the IMF winding angle asymmetry. Further comparison with outer heliospheric measurements have proven interesting, although less conclusive.

Smith, Charles W.↗

Engineering Ulysses extended mission

The Ulysses Mission is a collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The mission is unique, enabling exploration of the heliosphere within a few astronomical units of the Sun over a full range of heliographic latitudes adding a third dimension to our understanding of the Solar System. The advanced scientific instrumentation on Ulysses continually measures the properties of the heliospheric magnetic field, the solar wind, solar radio bursts and plasma waves, galactic cosmic rays, energetic particles, solar X-rays, and interstellar neutral gas. By the end of 1995, the spacecraft will have completed measurements at heliographic latitudes up to 80 degrees over a single orbit of the Sun. The properties of the heliosphere are solar cycle dependent, and Ulysses' first orbit of the Sun will have taken place around a solar minimum. In order to characterize the heliosphere over a full (11 year) solar cycle, it is desirable to continue measurements over a second orbit of the Sun, a new Odyssey that will extend through 2001. Since the spacecraft was only designed for a five-year mission, a number of technical challenges have been surmounted in order to demonstrate the engineering feasibility of this unparalleled scientific opportunity. This paper describes the changes that were necessary to the Ulysses mission engineering and mission operations in order to ensure continual, effective payload operation throughout 1996-2001.

Standley, Shaun↗

A conjecture on global flow dynamics

Recent observations by the Yohkoh and Ulysses spacecraft have instilled a new appreciation for the role of the ever-evolving geometry and topology of the coronal magnetic structure in shaping and influencing the global solar wind outflow. While many issues concerning the global evolution of large-scale interplanetary flow structures await resolution, we focus here on one specific problem. Namely, we argue that when considering the impact of solar activity on heliosphere scales, rather more attention should be directed toward ascertaining the nature and implications of long-term. Large-scale changes in the corona than toward the more dramatic and highly visible manifestations of solar activity, such as flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). That is, while energetic CMEs unquestionably disrupt the interplanetary medium locally and for a time by the broader measure they prompt lasting, wide-spread heliospheric response only when they occur as the agent of substantial, long-term change in the global configuration of the corona. In support, we point to various evidences of coronal change associated with major episodes of heliospheric disruption, and we discuss the limitations imposed by current observation techniques. In addition, we offer dynamical arguments (illustrated by a simple dynamical simulation) that when the coronal configuration changes quickly enough over sufficient spatial scale, a re-adjustment wave linking the initial and final quasi-steady flow states must propagate out from the Sun. This wave is transitory and global, and its amplitude can grow to substantial proportions with heliocentric distance. Moreover, the readjustment wave occurs whether or not the corona needs to expel CMEs to reconfigure itself. We suggest that it is this wave (and not so much the remnants of the initiating CMEs) that constitutes global merged interaction regions in the outer heliosphere.

Pizzo, V. J.↗

The interaction of a magnetized solar wind with the VLISM

The interaction of a magnetized solar wind with magnetized interstellar flow is modelled in two dimensions. The VLISM magnetic field and flow velocity are assumed to be parallel to each other and perpendicular to the sun's magnetic axis, contrast to a recent study by Washimi. The more realistic orientation of the axis and VLISM flow requires a less realistic heliospheric field model in two dimensions. The Parker spiral is replaced by a poloidal field which is tangent to the termination shock, and whose magnitude is consistent with estimates of the heliospheric field at termination shock distances. Of particular interest is the effect of the heliospheric field on the heliospheric flow beyond the termination shock, and on the structure and location of the bow shock

Brackbill, J. U.↗