The evolution of the solar wind

TL;DR

This review explores the long-term evolution of the solar wind by analyzing stellar data, linking properties like rotation and magnetism to wind models, and discussing implications for Earth and exoplanets.

Contribution

It provides an integrated overview of solar wind evolution using stellar observations and models, offering new insights into its impact on planetary environments.

Findings

Observed evolutionary sequence of solar wind mass-loss rates

Correlation between stellar magnetism, activity, and wind properties

Implications for planetary habitability and atmospheric evolution

Abstract

How has the solar wind evolved to reach what it is today? In this review, I discuss the long-term evolution of the solar wind, including the evolution of observed properties that are intimately linked to the solar wind: rotation, magnetism and activity. Given that we cannot access data from the solar wind 4 billion years ago, this review relies on stellar data, in an effort to better place the Sun and the solar wind in a stellar context. I overview some clever detection methods of winds of solar-like stars, and derive from these an observed evolutionary sequence of solar wind mass-loss rates. I then link these observational properties (including, rotation, magnetism and activity) with stellar wind models. I conclude this review then by discussing implications of the evolution of the solar wind on the evolving Earth and other solar system planets. I argue that studying exoplanetary systems could open up new avenues for progress to be made in our understanding of the evolution of the solar wind.