Solar wind interaction with a comet: evolution, variability, and implication

Abstract

Once a cometary plasma cloud has been created through ionisation of the cometary neutrals, it presents an obstacle to the solar wind and the magnetic field within it. The acceleration and incorporation of the cometary plasma by the solar wind is a complex process that shapes the cometary plasma environment and is responsible for the creation of boundaries such as a bow shock and diamagnetic cavity boundary. It also gives rise to waves and electric fields which in turn contribute to the acceleration of the plasma. This chapter aims to provide an overview of how the solar wind is modified by the presence of the cometary plasma, and how the cometary plasma is incorporated into the solar wind. We will also discuss models and techniques widely used in the investigation of the plasma environment in the context of recent findings by Rosetta. In particular, this chapter highlights the richness of the processes and regions within this environment and how processes on small scales can shape boundaries on large scales. It has been fifteen years since the last book on Comets was published and since then we have made great advances in the field of cometary research. But many open questions remain which are listed and discussed with particular emphasis on how to advance the field of cometary plasma science through future space missions.

Solar Wind Interactions with Comet C/2021 A1 Using STEREO HI and a Data-assimilative Solar Wind Model

“…A comprehensive review of previous case studies and the potential use of comet-tail observations as proxy solar wind data are discussed in Jones et al (2018, and references therein). As comets approach the Sun, the increased thermal energy causes their icy composition to sublimate into gas, forming the coma, dust and plasma tails (Götz et al 2022). A comet has two types of tail: a dust tail, which follows the orbit of the comet (appearing curved), and a plasma tail, which points almost radially away from the Sun and is shaped by the solar wind (Voelzke 2005).…”