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Prolonged Magnetopause Recovery From the Impact of a Strong Stream Interaction Region.

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Title: Prolonged Magnetopause Recovery From the Impact of a Strong Stream Interaction Region.
Authors: Han, H.1,2 (AUTHOR), Lai, H. R.1,2 (AUTHOR) laihr@mail.sysu.edu.cn, Jia, Y.‐D.3 (AUTHOR), Russell, C. T.3 (AUTHOR), Connors, M.4 (AUTHOR), Toth, G.5 (AUTHOR), Cui, J.1 (AUTHOR)
Source: Journal of Geophysical Research. Space Physics. Dec2025, Vol. 130 Issue 12, p1-11. 11p.
Subject Terms: Magnetopause, Dynamic pressure, Space environment, Solar wind, Magnetospheric physics, Magnetic anomalies
Abstract: High solar wind dynamic pressure, particularly during stream interaction regions (SIRs), can strongly compress the Earth's magnetosphere, posing a risk to space‐based technologies critical to modern society. This study investigates the response of the low‐latitude magnetopause to an extreme SIR on 14 March 2016, using in situ observations. The magnetopause was compressed inward to near geosynchronous orbit and remained compressed for several hours after the SIR's passage, revealing an unusually prolonged recovery phase. We present three lines of analyses: (a) multi‐spacecraft observations of magnetopause crossings; (b) magnetic pressure measurements inside the magnetopause; and (c) ground‐based records of low‐latitude geomagnetic field perturbations. The extended recovery challenges the conventional view that the magnetosphere rebounds within minutes after solar wind compression. These findings highlight the complexity of magnetospheric dynamics under extreme conditions and the need for further investigation into these regions, in order to improve space weather forecasts and protect critical technologies. Plain Language Summary: The magnetosphere, the region surrounding Earth dominated by its magnetic field, acts as a shield against the plasma from the sun. When hit by high‐pressure solar plasma structures, the magnetosphere can experience intense compression. Under normal conditions, it recovers rapidly once the solar plasma pressure returns to normal. However, observations from spacecraft and ground‐based instruments show that after an extreme impact event, the magnetosphere's recovery can take several hours longer than expected. This discrepancy reveals gaps in our understanding of solar wind‐magnetosphere coupling during severe space weather, suggesting more investigations. Key Points: Intense magnetospheric compression was observed following an extreme SIR impactMagnetospheric recovery after the SIR passage took several hours, much longer than model predictionsThe magnetospheric pressure is insufficient to restore the magnetopause [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Abstract:High solar wind dynamic pressure, particularly during stream interaction regions (SIRs), can strongly compress the Earth's magnetosphere, posing a risk to space‐based technologies critical to modern society. This study investigates the response of the low‐latitude magnetopause to an extreme SIR on 14 March 2016, using in situ observations. The magnetopause was compressed inward to near geosynchronous orbit and remained compressed for several hours after the SIR's passage, revealing an unusually prolonged recovery phase. We present three lines of analyses: (a) multi‐spacecraft observations of magnetopause crossings; (b) magnetic pressure measurements inside the magnetopause; and (c) ground‐based records of low‐latitude geomagnetic field perturbations. The extended recovery challenges the conventional view that the magnetosphere rebounds within minutes after solar wind compression. These findings highlight the complexity of magnetospheric dynamics under extreme conditions and the need for further investigation into these regions, in order to improve space weather forecasts and protect critical technologies. Plain Language Summary: The magnetosphere, the region surrounding Earth dominated by its magnetic field, acts as a shield against the plasma from the sun. When hit by high‐pressure solar plasma structures, the magnetosphere can experience intense compression. Under normal conditions, it recovers rapidly once the solar plasma pressure returns to normal. However, observations from spacecraft and ground‐based instruments show that after an extreme impact event, the magnetosphere's recovery can take several hours longer than expected. This discrepancy reveals gaps in our understanding of solar wind‐magnetosphere coupling during severe space weather, suggesting more investigations. Key Points: Intense magnetospheric compression was observed following an extreme SIR impactMagnetospheric recovery after the SIR passage took several hours, much longer than model predictionsThe magnetospheric pressure is insufficient to restore the magnetopause [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:21699380
DOI:10.1029/2025JA034695