On the evolution of magnetic reconnection in the solar wind

Magnetic reconnection is a fundamental process in astrophysical plasma, as it enables the dissipation of energy at kinetic scales as well as large-scale reconfiguration of the magnetic topology. In the solar wind, its quantitative role in plasma dynamics and particle energization remains an open question that is starting to come into focus as more missions now probe the inner heliosphere. To more efficiently detect magnetic reconnection in-situ using automated and modern methods is one of the challenges that can bring us closer to understanding the impact of magnetic reconnection on its surrounding magnetized environment.

In this presentation, we make use of existing databases to focus on the evolution of magnetic reconnection properties through the heliosphere, using several space missions such as Parker Solar Probe (PSP), Solar Orbiter and Wind. We investigate the properties of small-scale reconnecting current sheets found in the turbulent solar wind as a function of radial distance and plasma source. In parallel, we also make use of PSP-Solar Orbiter alignments to study how the large-scale and high-shear reconnection occurring at the heliospheric current sheet evolves as it propagates in the solar wind. Finally, we emphasize how reconnection has a high impact on coherent structure evolution such as coronal mass ejection erosion or merging.

Collectively, these results show that magnetic reconnection is ubiquitous in the solar wind and occurs in a wide variety of settings, with a high impact on its surrounding environment. We discuss how the recent growth of available in-situ spacecraft mission data inside the Earth orbit promises further substantial progress in our understanding of magnetic reconnection occurrence, properties and impact in the solar wind.