Geophys. Res. Lett., 25, 3109-3112, 1998
Abstract:
The magnetometer aboard the Ulysses spacecraft
has recorded numerous examples of heliospheric magnetic
fields orientated in near-radial directions for periods of several
hours or more. These fields are unusual, as their existence is
contrary to the predictions of classical theories concerning
solar wind production and propagation. The magnetic field
data gathered by Ulysses up to the end of 1997 were searched
for all instances of radial fields of significant duration. Here,
arising from that study, an overview of the detected radial
field periods is given; including their latitudinal occurrence,
their coincidence with other solar wind features, and some of
their phenomenology. A particularly persistent radial field was
recorded in early January 1997; this highly unusual event is
described in greater depth. The implications and possible
causes of radial field periods are discussed.
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