Exploring the global shock scenario at multiple points between sun and earth: The solar transients launched on January 1 and September 23, 1978
Abstract
We revisit the transient interplanetary events of January 1 and September 23, 1978. Using in-situ and remote sensing observations at locations widely separated in longitudes and distances from the Sun, we infer that in both cases the overall shock surface had a very fast “nose” region with speeds >900 and >1500 km-1 in the January and September events, respectively, and much slower flank speeds (∼600 km-1 or less), suggesting a shock surface with a strong speed gradient with heliospheric longitude. The shock-nose regions are thus likely efficient acceleration sites of MeV ions, even at 1 AU from the Sun. Our 3D magnetohydrodynamics modeling suggests that a 24° × 24° localized disturbance at 18 solar radii injecting momentum 100 times the background solar wind input over 1 h can produce a disturbance in semi-quantitative agreement with the observed shock arrival time, plasma density and velocity time series in the January 1978 event.
- Publication:
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Advances in Space Research
- Pub Date:
- January 2009
- DOI:
- 10.1016/j.asr.2008.03.026
- Bibcode:
- 2009AdSpR..43..113B