NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Reflection and transmission of GMIR shock at the heliopause and their relation to the 2- and 3-kHz radio emissionsWe use Voyager 2 plasma and magnetic field data together with a one-fluid MHD model to study the interactions of the 1991 Global Merged Interaction Region (GMIR) shock with the heliopause. The 1991 GMIR is an extraordinarily large global solar wind structure in radial, longitudinal and latitudinal extents. It has a strong shock at the leading edge. After its penetration through the termination shock, the GMIR shock first propagates through the subsonic solar wind, then interacts with the heliopause. The interaction produces a transmitted shock propagating outward in the interstellar medium, and a reflected shock propagating backward in the subsonic solar wind. We identify the reflected shock and the transmitted shock as the possible source of the radio noise detected at Voyagers. The plasma frequency behind the reflected and the transmitted shock can be, respectively, responsible for the 2- and 3-kHz radio emissions. The two bands of radio noise are emitted from sources on both sides of the heliopause starting at about the same time. If the emission is generated by f(sub p)-radiation then the heliopause is located at R approximately 130 AU. If the emission is generated by 2f(sub p)-radiation the n R approximately 150 AU. Because the relative speed of the interstellar plasma with respect to the sun appears to be sub-Alfvenic, it is very unlikely there is a fast-bow shock of the heliosphere.
Document ID
19950053014
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Whang, Y. C.
(Catholic Univ. of America, Washington, DC, US, United States)
Burlaga, L. F.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, US, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1995
Publication Information
Publication: Advances in Space Research
Volume: 16
Issue: 9
ISSN: 0273-1177
Subject Category
Solar Physics
Accession Number
95A84613
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-93-10444
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available