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Ann. Geophys., 16, 1259-1264, 1998
www.ann-geophys.net/16/1259/1998/
© European Geosciences Union 1998
Measurements of the direction of the solar wind using interplanetary scintillation
P. J. Moran1, A. R. Breen1,*, C. A. Varley1, P. J. S. Williams1, W. P. Wilkinson1, and J. Markkanen2
1Physics Department, University of Wales Aberystwyth, Penglais, Aberystwyth SY23 3BZ, UK
2EISCAT Sodankylä , SF-99600, Finland
*Present address: Max-Planck-Institut für Aeronomie, D-37191 Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany
Abstract. EISCAT observations of the interplanetary
scintillation of a single source were made over an extended period of time,
during which the orientation of the baselines between the two observing sites
changed significantly. Assuming that maximum correlation between the
scintillations observed at the two sites occurs when the projected baseline is
parallel to the direction of plasma flow, this technique can be used to make a
unique determination of the direction of the solar wind. In the past it has
usually been assumed that the plasma flow is radial, but measurements of eleven
sources using this technique have indicated conclusively that in at least six
cases observed at mid or high heliocentric latitude there is a significant
non-radial component directed in four cases towards the heliocentric equator and
in two cases towards the pole.
Key words. Solar physics · Astrophysics · Astronomy
· Magnetic fields · Space plasma physics · Charged particle motion and
acceleration
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