Abstract
Neutral hydrogen atoms, which give rise to the prominent solar Ly-α corona, are closely coupled to the emerging solar-wind plasma. The density ratio of neutral hydrogen to protons is minute, ∼10-6; therefore, the neutral atoms are tracers in the solar wind. In-situ observations of the neutral atoms, their flight paths (imaging), density, and velocity distributions are a new tool to the understanding of the Ly-α corona, i.e. setting limits on the plasma velocity distribution along the solar magnetic field lines. The other goal of the neutral solar-wind instrumentation is the in-situ observation of the interactions between solar wind plasma and dust grains near the Sun. We will discuss the science objectives and the potential "zero charge" solar-wind instrument envelope onboard Solar Orbiter.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the Second Solar Orbiter Workshop |
Edition | SP-641 |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2006 |
MoE publication type | A4 Conference publication |
Event | Solar Orbiter Workshop - Athens, Greece Duration: 16 Oct 2006 → 20 Oct 2006 Conference number: 2 |
Publication series
Name | European Space Agency, (Special Publication) ESA SP |
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Number | SP-641 |
ISSN (Print) | 0379-6566 |
Workshop
Workshop | Solar Orbiter Workshop |
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Country/Territory | Greece |
City | Athens |
Period | 16/10/2006 → 20/10/2006 |