Connecting the interstellar magnetic field at the heliosphere to the Loop I superbubble

TL;DR

This paper investigates the connection between the local interstellar magnetic field, the heliosphere, and the Loop I superbubble, using polarization measurements to reveal magnetic structures and their relation to large-scale interstellar features.

Contribution

It provides new evidence linking the local interstellar magnetic field and the CLIC to the rim of the Loop I superbubble through polarization and motion analysis.

Findings

Polarization measurements reveal multiple local magnetic structures.

One magnetic structure aligns with the IBEX ribbon magnetic field.

The CLIC is likely part of the Loop I superbubble rim.

Abstract

The local interstellar magnetic field affects both the heliosphere and the surrounding cluster of interstellar clouds (CLIC). Measurements of linearly polarized starlight provide the only test of the magnetic field threading the CLIC. Polarization measurements of the CLIC magnetic field show multiple local magnetic structures, one of which is aligned with the magnetic field traced by the center of the "ribbon" of energetic neutral atoms discovered by the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX). Comparisons between the bulk motion of the CLIC through the local standard of rest, the magnetic field direction, the geometric center of Loop I, and the polarized dust bridge extending from the heliosphere toward the North Polar Spur direction all suggest that the CLIC is part of the rim region of the Loop I superbubble.