Characteristics of Magnetic Holes in the Solar Wind Revealed by Parker Solar Probe

We present a statistical analysis for the characteristics and radial evolution of linear magnetic holes (LMHs) in the solar wind from 0.166 to 0.82 au using Parker Solar Probe observations of the first two orbits. It is found that the LMHs mainly have a duration less than 25 s and the depth is in the range from 0.25 to 0.7. The durations slightly increase and the depths become slightly deeper with the increasing heliocentric distance. Both the plasma temperature and the density for about 50% of all events inside the holes are higher than the ones surrounding the holes. The average occurrence rate is 8.7 events day(-1), much higher than that of the previous observations. The occurrence rate of the LMHs has no clear variation with the heliocentric distance (only a slight decreasing trend with the increasing heliocentric distance), and has several enhancements around similar to 0.525 and similar to 0.775 au, implying that there may be new locally generated LMHs. All events are segmented into three parts (i.e., 0.27, 0.49, and 0.71 au) to investigate the geometry evolution of the linear magnetic holes. The results show that the geometry of LMHs are prolonged both across and along the magnetic field direction from the Sun to the Earth, while the scales across the field extend a little faster than along the field. The present study could help us understand the evolution and formation mechanism of the LMHs in the solar wind.

Automated summary

A statistical analysis of linear magnetic holes (LMHs) in the solar wind from 0.166 to 0.82 au using Parker Solar Probe observations reveals that LMHs have short durations and depths that slightly increase with heliocentric distance. Around 50% of events show higher plasma temperature and density inside the holes. The occurrence rate of LMHs shows no significant variation with heliocentric distance, with potential locally generated LMHs near 0.525 and 0.775 au. The study also investigates the geometry evolution of LMHs, showing their prolonged shape across and along the magnetic field direction.