Interplanetary magnetic field $B_y$ controlled Alfv\'{e}n wings at Earth during encounter of a coronal mass ejection

TL;DR

This study uses global MHD simulations to analyze Earth's magnetosphere response to a low Alfvén Mach number interplanetary coronal mass ejection, revealing the formation of Alfvén wings influenced by IMF By component.

Contribution

It demonstrates the formation and structure of Alfvén wings during sub-Alfvénic conditions caused by an ICME, advancing understanding of magnetosphere interactions under these unique conditions.

Findings

Alfvén wings form during sub-Alfvénic solar wind conditions.

IMF By component influences the orientation of Alfvén wings.

Magnetospheric convection patterns change significantly under sub-Alfvénic conditions.

Abstract

In the vicinity of Earth's orbit, the typical solar wind Alfv\'{e}n Mach number exceeds 5, and the super-Alfv\'{e}nic solar wind drives a conventional magnetosphere configuration. However, at the ejecta phase of an interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME) event, the Alfv\'{e}n Mach number may experience a significant reduction due to the intensified interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) strength and decreased density. On 24 April 2023, an ICME reached Earth's orbit. The solar wind density dropped to as low as 0.3 amu/cc while the IMF strength is about 25 nT. As a result, the solar wind flow transitions to a sub-Alfv\'{e}nic state with an Alfv\'{e}n Mach number of 0.4, providing opportunities to investigate the interaction of planetary magnetospheres with low Mach number solar wind. We carry out global simulations to investigate the responses of Earth's magnetosphere to the sub-Alfv\'{e}nic ICME ejecta. The global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation results show the formation of Alfv\'{e}n wings as the solar wind becomes sub-Alfv\'{e}nic. Furthermore, the sub-Alfv\'{e}nic period was characterized by the dominance of IMF By component, causing the Alfv\'{e}n wings to extend towards the dawn and dusk sides. In this paper, we present the structures of the magnetic field, plasma flow, and current system around the Alfv\'{e}n wings. The global magnetospheric convection under the sub-Alfv\'{e}nic solar wind condition is discussed in depth. Our results achieve a new level of understanding about the interaction between a magnetized body and sub-Alfv\'{e}nic upstream conditions, and provide guidance for future observations.