A TORSIONAL ALFVEN WAVE EMBEDDED WITHIN A SMALL MAGNETIC FLUX ROPE IN THE SOLAR WIND

We describe and use novel techniques to analyze a striking and distinct solar wind event observed by two spacecraft. We show that the event is consistent with an interpretation as a torsional Alfven wave embedded within a small, nearly radially aligned, magnetic flux rope of total width similar to 10(6) km. It seems likely that the torsional wave was generated by distortions produced within a pre-existing flux rope that erupted from the Sun. Our examination of many events previously identified as flux ropes in the solar wind indicates that torsional Alfven waves are extremely rare in such events.