A Two-dimensional, Self-consistent Model of Galactic Cosmic Rays in the Heliosphere

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
We present initial results from our new two-dimensional (radius and latitude), self-consistent model of galactic cosmic rays in the heliosphere. We focus on the latitudinal variations in the solar wind flow caused by the energetic particles. Among other things, our results show that the cosmic rays significantly modify the latitudinal structure of the solar wind flow downstream of the termination shock. Specifically, for A > 0 (corresponding to the present solar minimum) the wind beyond the shock is driven toward the equator, resulting in a faster wind flow near the current sheet, while for A < 0 the effect is reversed and the wind turns toward the pole, with a faster flow at high latitudes. We attribute this effect to the latitudinal gradients in the cosmic-ray pressure, caused by drifts, that squeeze the flow toward the ecliptic plane or the pole.
All Related Versions