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Published on: July 1, 2019
Potential Solar Precursors to Magnetic Switchbacks
Durgesh Tripathi1, Maria S Madjarska2,3,4, Judy Karpen5
1Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Post Bag 4, Ganeshkhind, 411007 India.
Space Science Reviews
|August 1, 2026
Summary
The origin of magnetic switchbacks, a common solar wind phenomenon, remains a key question. Research explores coronal dynamics and small-scale solar events as potential sources for these magnetic field structures.
Area of Science:
- Solar and heliospheric physics
- Plasma physics
- Astrophysics
Background:
- Magnetic switchbacks (SBs) are prevalent in the inner heliosphere.
- Their origin is a significant unsolved problem in solar science.
- Parker Solar Probe has provided extensive data on SBs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origins of magnetic switchbacks.
- To review potential formation mechanisms and precursor events.
- To connect in situ observations with remote sensing data.
Main Methods:
- Review of large-scale coronal dynamics and restructuring.
- Analysis of small-scale dynamic events in the solar atmosphere.
- Examination of studies linking in situ and remote-sensing observations.
Main Results:
- Large-scale coronal processes may influence SB formation.
- Various small-scale solar atmospheric events are potential SB precursors.
- Connecting SBs to specific solar sources presents challenges.
Conclusions:
- Understanding SB origins requires considering both large-scale and small-scale solar phenomena.
- Improved methods are needed to link observations and identify source regions.
- Clarifying terminology for solar phenomena is important.
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