Predicting the Solar Wind at Parker Solar Probe Using an Empirically Driven MHD Model

TL;DR

This paper presents an empirical-driven MHD model to predict the solar wind at Parker Solar Probe, comparing simulations with observations to improve understanding of solar wind acceleration and model accuracy.

Contribution

The study introduces a coupled MHD and semi-empirical coronal model validated against PSP data, enhancing solar wind prediction capabilities at unprecedented distances.

Findings

Model accurately predicts solar wind structure near PSP trajectories.

Comparison reveals insights into solar wind acceleration mechanisms.

Demonstrates the effectiveness of empirical inputs in MHD simulations.

Abstract

Since the launch on 2018/08/12, Parker Solar Probe (PSP) has completed its first and second orbits around the Sun, having reached down to 35.7 solar radii at each perihelion. In anticipation of the exciting new data at such unprecedented distances, we have simulated the global 3D heliosphere using an MHD model coupled with a semi-empirical coronal model using the best available photospheric magnetograms as input. We compare our heliospheric MHD simulation results with in situ measurements along the PSP trajectory from its launch to the completion of the second orbit, with particular emphasis on the solar wind structure around the first two solar encounters. Furthermore, we show our model prediction for the third perihelion, which occurred on 2019/09/01. Comparison of the MHD results with PSP observations provides a new insight on the solar wind acceleration. Moreover, PSP observations reveal how accurately the ADAPT-WSA predictions work throughout the inner heliosphere.