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Pioneer 9 and Pioneer 10 observations of the solar wind associated with the August 1972 events

1977; American Geophysical Union; Volume: 82; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1029/ja082i004p00603

2156-2202

D. S. Intriligator,

Astro and Planetary Science

Observations are presented of the changes in the solar wind proton parameters at 0.8 and 2.2 AU as a result of the solar flares in August 1972. These observations were obtained by the NASA Ames Research Center solar wind plasma analyzer experiments on Pioneer 9 and Pioneer 10. High time resolution measurements are presented of the solar wind proton speed associated with the arrival of the interplanetary shocks at Pioneer 9 and Pioneer 10. For these events, differential ion energy per unit charge spectra are shown which indicate the changes in the solar wind ion distribution function associated with the arrival of each of the interplanetary shocks. Four fast shocks are identified at Pioneer 9, and it is found that previously the time of arrival of the first interplanetary shock at Pioneer 9 was not correctly identified. Two fast shocks and one reverse shock are identified at Pioneer 10. Calculations are performed to obtain the local shock speeds for each of these shocks observed at Pioneer 9 and Pioneer 10. On the basis of these calculations the Pioneer 9/ Pioneer 10 shock associations are reexamined, and it is found that contrary to previously published studies there was no significant deceleration of the interplanetary shocks between 0.8 and 2.2 AU.