Comparisons Between the Field Lines Using an Accelerating and a Constant Solar Wind model

Abstract

Magnetic field line mapping between the Sun and the Earth is important to trace the nonthermal particles. We generalize a recently developed mapping approach (B stepping) where this approach allows us to map the magnetic field lines by stepping along the local magnetic field direction. We employ an advanced solar wind model which includes acceleration, angular momentum conservation, and intrinsic non-radial velocities and magnetic fields at the inner boundary / source surface. We map the field lines using Wind spacecraft data for two solar rotation periods: one near a solar minimum between CR2118 and CR2119 and other CR1992 near a solar maximum. Maps using the accelerating solar wind model are compared with the maps using a constant solar wind model. On a broad scale, maps using two solar wind models for the same solar rotation periods are very similar. However, in a small scale, there are significant differences, e.g. differences are evident in connectivities, paths, and winding angles. In addition, field lines using the accelerating solar wind model are more azimuthally oriented for during the solar maximum. These differences demonstrate the significance of inclusion of the accelerating radial speed profile, intrinsic azimuthal velocity and magnetic field components.