The heliospheric current sheet - 3-dimensional structure and solar cycle changesThe reversal in polarity of the interplanetary current sheet/sector structure is investigated during the recent solar maximum. Multipoint observations by ISEE-3 and Pioneer 11 show that a simple two sector or occasional four sector structure persisted throughout the maximum and out to distances of 10 AU. The polarity reversal occurred between March 1979 and October 1980, without any indication of an abrupt transition that might permit a more precise timing. The reversal coincided approximately with the reversal in the sun's polar cap fields. The current sheet appeared to be highly inclined during the ascending and descending phases of the solar cycle but was apparently too complex to describe as a simple inclined current sheet during solar maximum.
Document ID
19870025957
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Smith, E. J. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Slavin, J. A. (California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, United States)
Thomas, B. T. (Bristol, University United Kingdom)