Flux tubes embedded into reconnection outflows in the solar wind

Abstract:

Reconnection exhausts in the solar wind are usually interpreted in terms of a quasi-stationary Petschek-type reconnection model. Accordingly, within a region of magnetic field reversal, the wedge-shaped, Alfvenic accelerated plasma outflow is bounded by layers containing (anti-) correlated components of speed and magnetic field fluctuations. However, time-dependent impulsive reconnection can generate flux ropes embedded into accelerated outflows. Reconnection associated moving flux ropes or plasmoids are frequently observed in the Earth’s magnetotail, while similar observations are missing in the solar wind. We present the first observations of small-scale magnetic flux ropes associated with reconnection exhausts in the solar wind, using the data from the WIND probe. We argue that the interaction of moving flux ropes with the background plasma can generate turbulence leading finally to the local heating of the solar wind.