Work

Numerical Simulations of the Effects of Out-of-plane Velocity Shear on Magnetic Reconnection in the Near-Sun Solar Wind

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Motivated by Parker Solar Probe observations of magnetic reconnection exhausts in current sheets near the Sun, we present particle-in-cell simulations of reconnection in the presence of shear flow perpendicular to the plane of reconnection. Increasing the strength of the flow shear decreases the reconnection rate, in agreement with observations and theory, and aligns with similar decreases that have been observed in other geometries. In addition, the shear produces asymmetries in the out-of-plane current bounding the reconnection exhaust, similar to those seen in observations.

Source: The Astrophysical Journal

DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ae323d

Authors: M. Swisdak, Stefan Eriksson, Alfred Mallet

Institutions: University of Maryland, College Park, University of Colorado Boulder, Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, Space Sciences Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley

Language: English

Topic: Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,499

Funders: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center