Waves in the Solar Wind

Fluctuations in the solar wind plasma and magnetic field are the natural consequences of unstable particle distributions. One example is the streaming electrons that escape from the corona at the time of a solar flare. These energetic electrons excite oscillations of the solar wind plasma at a frequency known as the electron plasma frequency (f_pe). URAP observes these waves when the electrons stream past the spacecraft. These waves play an important role in the production of type III radio bursts. Indeed, the study of this complicated relationship between the electrons, plasma waves, and radio waves continues today.

Example of waves at f_pe and associated type III burst

A variety of other plasma wave species also exist in the solar wind. They will be documented in detail in the tutorial (to be available soon).