The formation of magnetic cavities in comets

Z. Klopman*, A. Eviatar, R. Goldstein

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this paper a unidimensional model for the formation of magnetic cavities in comets is presented. This model includes ion-neutral friction, dissociative recombination, photoionization, and thermal and energetic ion pressure coupled with a nonconstant velocity profile which was chosen to simulate the flow pattern. The model explains the thermal ion population profile. Conditions under which a cavity may not form are discussed. In the paper the roles of the various processes are studied, and it is shown that focusing on ion-neutral friction as the major process in the creation of the cavity is not in general correct. In the last part of the paper, the limitations of the model are delineated.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)652-661
Number of pages10
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume394
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1992

Keywords

  • Comets: general
  • MHD

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