Dynamic MHD modeling of the solar wind disturbances during the August 1972 events

Journal Article · Wed Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1978 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA083iA02p00532· OSTI ID:5041220

Dyrer, M; Candelaria, C; Smith, Z K; Steinolfson, R S; Smith, E J; Wolfe, J H; Mihalov, J D; Rosenau, P

A time-dependent one-dimensional MHD theoretical model (Steinolfson et al., 1975a, b) is tested by using plasma and magnetic field observations of Pioneer 9 and Pioneer 10 during the magnetic field observations of Pioneer 9 and Pioneer 10 during the August 1972 events on the sun and in the interplanetary medium. These spacecraft were nearly aligned along a common heliocentric radius during these events, considered now to be the most spectacular and best-documented events during solar cycle 20. The observations of Pioneer 9 at 0.78 AU were used as 'input' for the theoretical model. The plasma and magnetic field forcing functions were superimposed upon a preexisting ambient solar wind at this inner boundary, and the response was simulated as far as 8 AU. The simulated 'output' at 2.2 AU is compared directly with the Pioneer 10 observations at 2.2 AU. Qualitative comparison is good, although several limitations of the one-dimensional theory are noted.

• Research Organization: Space Environment Laboratory, NOAA Environmental Research Laboratories, Boulder, Colarado 80302
• OSTI ID: 5041220
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 83:A2; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640104* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Solar Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
INTERPLANETARY SPACE
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MECHANICS
ONE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
PIONEER SPACE PROBES
PLASMA WAVES
SOLAR ACTIVITY
SOLAR FLARES
SOLAR WIND
SPACE
SPACE VEHICLES