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ASTRA Proceedings An open-access journal for refereed proceedings in extraterrestrial research
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Articles | Volume 1
ASTRA Proc., 1, 51–60, 2014
https://doi.org/10.5194/ap-1-51-2014
ASTRA Proc., 1, 51–60, 2014
https://doi.org/10.5194/ap-1-51-2014

  05 Sep 2014

05 Sep 2014

MHD flows at astropauses and in astrotails

D. H. Nickeler1, T. Wiegelmann2, M. Karlický1, and M. Kraus1 D. H. Nickeler et al.
  • 1Astronomical Institute, AV ČR, Fričova 298, 25165 Ondřejov, Czech Republic
  • 2Max-Planck-Institut für Sonnensystemforschung, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 3, 37077 Göttingen, Germany

Abstract. The geometrical shapes and the physical properties of stellar wind – interstellar medium interaction regions form an important stage for studying stellar winds and their embedded magnetic fields as well as cosmic ray modulation. Our goal is to provide a proper representation and classification of counter-flow configurations and counter-flow interfaces in the frame of fluid theory. In addition we calculate flows and large-scale electromagnetic fields based on which the large-scale dynamics and its role as possible background for particle acceleration, e.g., in the form of anomalous cosmic rays, can be studied. We find that for the definition of the boundaries, which are determining the astropause shape, the number and location of magnetic null points and stagnation points is essential. Multiple separatrices can exist, forming a highly complex environment for the interstellar and stellar plasma. Furthermore, the formation of extended tail structures occur naturally, and their stretched field and streamlines provide surroundings and mechanisms for the acceleration of particles by field-aligned electric fields.

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