Interchange reconnection dynamics in a solar coronal pseudo-streamer

Pellegrin-Frachon, T.; Masson, S.; Pariat, E.; Wyper, P.F.; DeVore, C.R.

Abstract

Context. The generation of the slow solar wind is still an open problem in heliophysics. One of the existing theories to explain the injection of coronal plasma in the interplanetary medium is based on interchange reconnection: the exchange of magnetic connectivity between closed and open fields allows the injection of coronal plasma in the interplanetary medium along newly reconnected open field. However the exact mechanism is still poorly understood. Aims. Our objective is to study this scenario in a particular magnetic structure of the solar corona: a pseudo-streamer. This topological structure lies at the interface between open and closed magnetic field and is thought to be involved in the generation of the slow solar wind. Methods. We performed innovative 3D magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) simulations of the solar corona with a pseudostreamer, using the Adaptively Refined MHD Solver (ARMS). By perturbing the quasi-steady ambient state with a simple photospheric, large-scale velocity flow, a complex dynamics of the open-closed boundary of the pseudo-streamer was generated. We studied the evolution of the connectivity of numerous field lines to understand its precise dynamics. Results. We witnessed different scenarios of opening of the magnetic field initially closed under the pseudo-streamer: one-step interchange reconnection dynamics; more complex scenarios including coupling between pseudo-streamer and helmet streamer; back-and-forth reconnections between open and closed connectivity domains. Finally, our analyze revealed large-scale motions of newly-opened magnetic field high in the corona that can be explained by slipping reconnection. Conclusions. By introducing a new analyzing method of the magnetic connectivity evolution based on distinct closed-field domains, this study provides an understanding of the precise dynamics of opening of closed field, enabling the injection of closed-field, coronal plasma in the interplanetary medium. Further studies shall provide synthetic observations for these diverse outgoing flows, which could be measured by Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter.

Citation

Pellegrin-Frachon, T., Masson, S., Pariat, E., Wyper, P., & DeVore, C. (2023). Interchange reconnection dynamics in a solar coronal pseudo-streamer. Astronomy & Astrophysics, 675, Article A55. https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202245611

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 25, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jun 30, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023-07
• Deposit Date: May 30, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: May 30, 2023
• Journal: Astronomy & Astrophysics
• Print ISSN: 0004-6361
• Electronic ISSN: 1432-0746
• Publisher: EDP Sciences
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 675
• Article Number: A55
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202245611
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1173498