Magnetic Field Dissipation in Heliosheath Improves Model Accuracy
Analysis
This paper addresses a significant discrepancy between global heliosphere models and Voyager data regarding magnetic field behavior in the inner heliosheath (IHS). The models overestimate magnetic field pile-up, while Voyager observations show a gradual increase. The authors introduce a phenomenological term to the magnetic field induction equation to account for magnetic energy dissipation due to unresolved current sheet dynamics, a computationally efficient approach. This is a crucial step in refining heliosphere models and improving their agreement with observational data, leading to a better understanding of the heliosphere's structure and dynamics.
Key Takeaways
- •Global heliosphere models often overestimate magnetic field pile-up in the inner heliosheath (IHS).
- •Voyager data shows a more gradual increase in the magnetic field within the IHS.
- •A phenomenological term is introduced to the magnetic field induction equation to account for magnetic energy dissipation.
- •This approach improves agreement between models and Voyager data.
- •The model predicts an outward shift in the termination shock position and a reduction of the IHS thickness.
“The study demonstrates that incorporating a phenomenological dissipation term into global heliospheric models helps to resolve the longstanding discrepancy between simulated and observed magnetic field profiles in the IHS.”