Properties underlying the variation of the magnetic field spectral index in the inner solar wind

TL;DR

This study uses Parker Solar Probe data to analyze how the magnetic field spectral index varies with distance from the Sun, revealing a transition around 50 solar radii and identifying cross helicity as a key influencing parameter.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed statistical analysis linking the magnetic spectral index variation to solar wind parameters, especially cross helicity, across different heliocentric distances.

Findings

Spectral index transitions from -5/3 to -3/2 near 50 R_sun.

Cross helicity is the dominant factor influencing the spectral index.

Velocity spectral index remains consistent with -3/2 across measured conditions.

Abstract

Using data from orbits one to eleven of the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) mission, the magnetic field spectral index was measured across a range of heliocentric distances. The previously observed transition between a value of $-5/3$ far from the Sun and a value of $-3/2$ close to the Sun was recovered, with the transition occurring at around $50 \, R_{\odot}$ and the index saturating at $-3/2$ as the Sun is approached. A statistical analysis was performed to separate the variation of the index on distance from its dependence on other parameters of the solar wind that are plausibly responsible for the transition; including the cross helicity, residual energy, turbulence age and the magnitude of magnetic fluctuations. Of all parameters considered the cross helicity was found to be by far the strongest candidate for the underlying variable responsible. The velocity spectral index was also measured and found to be consistent with $-3/2$ over the range of values of cross helicity measured. Possible explanations for the behaviour of the indices are discussed, including the theorised different behaviour of imbalanced, compared to balanced, turbulence.