Magnetic Structuring from the Sun to the Cusp: Multiscale Pathways of Energy Transport

Dr. Shirsh Soni

Abstract: Magnetic structures evolve continuously as energy is transported from the Sun through the heliosphere to Earth’s magnetosphere. This talk connects three scales of this coupled system: large-scale CME interactions, mesoscale evolution of solar-wind switchbacks, and microscale energy deposition in the terrestrial cusp. CME-CME interactions can significantly restructure magnetic ejecta and enhance their geoeffectiveness, while Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter observations show that switchback patches relax with heliocentric distance and evolve into microstreams. Finally, TRACERS observations demonstrate how changing solar-wind and IMF conditions control cusp precipitation and reconnection geometry, linking magnetopause dynamics to ionospheric energy deposition. Together, these results highlight how magnetic restructuring across multiple scales governs energy transport throughout the coupled Sun-heliosphere-magnetosphere system.

To participate in this event virtually via Zoom, go to https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/91226290867?pwd=mCGHMM8C7GwPxGAVr2pk5tIhboh97E.1.