| Multi-spacecraft measurements of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) from 0.29 AU to 5
AU along the ecliptic plane have demonstrated systematic deviations of the observed IMF
strength from the values predicted on the basis of the Parker-like radial extension models
(Khabarova, Obridko, 2012). In particular, it was found that the radial IMF component |Br|
decreases with a heliocentric distance r with a slope of -5/3 (instead of r-2 expansion
law).
The current investigation of multi-point observations continues the analysis of the IMF (and,
especially, Br) large-scale behaviour, including its latitudinal distribution. Additionally,
examples of the mismatches between the expected IMF characteristics and observations at
smaller scales are discussed. It is shown that the observed effects may be explained by not
complete IMF freezing-in to the solar wind plasma.
This research was supported by the Russian Fund of Basic Researches’ grants
Nos.11–02-00259-a, and 12-02-10008-K.
Khabarova Olga, and Obridko Vladimir, Puzzles of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field in the
Inner Heliosphere, 2012, Astrophysical Journal, 761, 2, 82, doi:10.1088/0004-637X/761/2/82,
http://arxiv.org/pdf/1204.6672v2.pdf |