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Properties of Magnetic Switchbacks in the Near-Sun Solar Wind
Samuel T Badman1, Naïs Fargette2,3, Lorenzo Matteini3
1Center for Astrophysics, Harvard & Smithsonian, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA.
Space Science Reviews
|January 30, 2026
Summary
Magnetic switchbacks, observed by Parker Solar Probe, are common solar wind deflections. These Alfvénic fluctuations and associated jets are crucial for understanding the inner heliosphere and solar wind.
Area of Science:
- Space Physics
- Solar Physics
- Plasma Physics
Background:
- Magnetic switchbacks are solar wind deflections where the interplanetary magnetic field sharply folds.
- These events are correlated with Alfvénic fluctuations and form outward jets, especially in a radial background field.
- Parker Solar Probe has revealed switchbacks are ubiquitous in the inner heliosphere within 0.3 AU.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review in situ measurements of magnetic switchbacks, primarily from Parker Solar Probe.
- To discuss the identification and measurement of these structures.
- To present observational properties and identify areas needing further research.
Main Methods:
- Review of in situ measurements from Parker Solar Probe.
- Analysis of magnetic field and velocity data to identify switchbacks.
- Characterization of individual switchbacks and their collective arrangement into patches.
Main Results:
- Magnetic switchbacks are nearly ubiquitous in the inner heliosphere.
- Switchbacks exhibit characteristic velocity jets and are well-correlated with Alfvénic fluctuations.
- Observational properties show both consensus and areas requiring further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Magnetic switchbacks play a significant role in solar wind dynamics.
- Further research is needed to fully understand their prevalence and impact.
- Open questions and recommendations for future studies are identified.
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