Abstract
In this work we have modelled the solar wind proton flux which varies as a function of distance to the heliomagnetic equator and its effects on the interplanetary Lyman α radiation. The results imply that a groove observed in Lyman α intensity patterns toward the upwind direction Bertaux et al. disappears when the tilt angle of the heliomagnetic equator is larger than 20°.The observations by Bertaux et al. were measured during the solar wind minimum when the tilt angle of the streamer belt is low. During the solar wind maximum when the tilt angle of the streamer belt is large the Lyman α groove should disappear according to our results.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bertaux, J.-L., Quémerais, E. and Lallement, R.: 1996, Observations of a sky Lyman α groove related to enhanced solar wind mass flux in the neutral sheet, Geophys.Res.Lett. 23, 3675–3678.
Bavassano, B., Woo, R. and Bruno, R.: 1997, Heliospheric plasma sheet and coronal streamers, Geophys.Res.Lett. 24, 1655–1658.
Brandt, J.C. and Chamberlain, J.W.: 1959, Interplanetary gas. I. Hydrogen radiation in the night sky, Astrophys.J. 130, 670–682.
McComas, D.J., Funsten, H.O., Gosling, J.T. and Pryor, W.R.: 1999, Ulysses measurements of variations in the solar wind – interstellar hydrogen charge exchange rate, Geophys.Res.Lett. 26, 2697–2701.
Summanen, T.: 1992, Latitudinal distribution of solar wind as deduced from Lyman alpha measurements, Lic thesis, Helsinki University, Finland.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Summanen, T. The Solar Ionization Rate of the Interplanetary Hydrogen as a Function of a Heliomagnetic Latitude: A New Model for the Interplanetary Lyman Alpha Studies. Astrophysics and Space Science 274, 143–148 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026552107568
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026552107568