magnetic switchback
(switchback, solar switchback)
(Z-shaped magnetic field lines)
The term magnetic switchback refers to a feature
of the solar magnetic field
in which field lines form a zigzag pattern:
they bend sharply, then bend sharply again back returning roughly to their
original direction, as suggested by shape of the letter "Z".
Such magnetic switchbacks are not evident from distant observation:
they were discovered with in situ observation by Ulysses
in 1994-1995, and have been observed more recently by
the Parker Solar Probe and the Solar Orbiter.
There are a number of theories regarding their origin and
the manner in which they fit within the entire field,
i.e., they are of current research interest.
One theory is that they are merely pieces of a flux rope observed
from within. Other theories suggest they result from turbulence
within the solar wind or that magnetic reconnection is
involved in their instigation.
(Sun,magnetism)
Further reading:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_switchback
https://www.ssl.berkeley.edu/sudden-magnetic-switchbacks-in-the-solar-wind/
https://clasp.engin.umich.edu/2023/10/20/new-theory-explains-how-magnetic-switchbacks-form-in-the-solar-wind/
https://www.nasa.gov/science-research/heliophysics/switchbacks-science-explaining-parker-solar-probes-magnetic-puzzle/
https://eos.org/research-spotlights/magnetic-switchback-detected-near-earth-for-first-time
https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Solar_Orbiter/Solar_Orbiter_solves_magnetic_switchback_mystery
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2026SSRv..222...14B/abstract
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2023ApJ...957...95T/abstract
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2022ApJ...936L..25T/abstract
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2022A%26A...663A.109F/abstract
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2021ApJ...919...96F/abstract
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2021A%26A...656A..40F/abstract
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1999GeoRL..26..631B/abstract
Index