Mirror instability in space plasmas: Solitons and cnoidal waves

The nonlinear theory of magnetic mirror instability (MI) in space plasmas is revisited. The nonlinear dynamics of the MI is analyzed using the perpendicular plasma pressure balance condition and the drift kinetic equation for the ion distribution function as the starting point. In contrast with previous studies we do not rely on the reductive perturbation method and kinetic effects have been included in the model at all stages. It is shown that the MI initially produces a depression in the magnetic field that has an explosive behavior as was predicted previously. However, this process rapidly terminates and reaches finally saturation with the formation of stationary solutions in the form of either soliton type magnetic holes, cnoidal waves, or linear oscillations.