Analyzing the large-scale curvature of interplanetary shocks

Abstract

The 3-dimensional structure of interplanetary shock surfaces are analyzed using observations from the Wind and ACE spacecraft. Events seen by both spacecraft were selected from the available data and used to calculate the radius of curvature R, of the shock surface. The surface structure was examined within the ecliptic plane, and evidence of large-scale curvature was seen when the spacecraft separation was sufficiently large. A simulation was run to test the effects of small errors in the shock normal, and showed that these errors could affect R, calculations at small separation. The radius of curvature was studied as a function of shock strength to look for evidence of ripples on the shock surface, though no correlation was found.