Observations of Switchback Chains in a Double Solar Proton Event

TL;DR

This paper investigates the origin of magnetic switchbacks in the solar wind by analyzing a twin CME event with Parker Solar Probe data, testing the interchange reconnection hypothesis and proposing a plasma formation model.

Contribution

It provides observational evidence linking interchange reconnection in CMEs to magnetic switchbacks and introduces a plasma formation model for these phenomena.

Findings

Evidence supporting interchange reconnection as a source of switchbacks

Comparison of observational data with the twin CME model

Proposed plasma formation mechanism for switchbacks

Abstract

Although recent research suggests a link in support of a model of switchback formation in the solar corona via interchange reconnection that is propagated outward with the solar wind and similarities in their ion composition to plasma instability produced plasmoids, these plasma instabilities have yet to be observationally linked to magnetic switchbacks. In this paper we aim to use the theoretical framework of a twin coronal mass ejection event which is known to include interchange reconnection processes and compare this model with experimental observations using Parker Solar Probe FIELDS and $\isis$ instrumentationof an actual event containing two CMEs identified via the associated solar proton event in order to further test and refine the hypothesis of interchange reconnection as a possible physical origin for the magnetic switchback phenomenon. We also intend to introduce a plasma model for the formation of the switchbacks noted within the CME event.