HR: 15:15h
AN: SH43A-05    [Abstracts]
TI: The Effect of Unsteady Solar Wind on the Termination Shock Asymmetries
AU: * Pogorelov, N V
EM: nikolaip@ucr.edu
AF: Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
AU: Stone, E C
EM: ecs@srl.caltech.edu
AF: California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, United States
AU: Zank, G P
EM: zank@ucr.edu
AF: Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
AB: Possible asymmetries of the solar wind (SW) termination shock due to the action of the interstellar magnetic field (ISMF) are summarized using numerical simulations based on the Riverside model of the heliosphere. The model is based on a three-dimensional, multi-fluid, MHD-neutral approach that takes into account the important consequences of charge exchange between neutral and charged particles in partially ionized plasma. Special attention is paid to the numerically obtained asymmetry in the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 trajectory directions, which can be compared with the spacecraft measurements. Possible effects of the solar cycle and CME/GMIR propagation on the simulated asymmetry is investigated. The solar cycle model includes the variations in the latitudinal extent of the slow SW and the angle between the Sun's magnetic and rotation axes. Solar cycle related polarity reversals of the dipolar magnetic field of the Sun are also taken into account. The interplay is analyzed between an ISMF-induced asymmetry and unsteady phenomena. It is shown that a GMIR interaction with the TS initially drives it further from the Sun. On reaching its maximum distance from the Sun, the TS location begins to recede, overshooting its initial location. The relaxation of the termination shock to its initial location can last for more than 2 years.
DE: 2124 Heliopause and solar wind termination
DE: 2126 Heliosphere/interstellar medium interactions
DE: 2139 Interplanetary shocks
DE: 2151 Neutral particles (7837)
DE: 2162 Solar cycle variations (7536)
SC: SPA-Solar and Heliospheric Physics [SH]
MN: 2007 Joint Assembly