2012/05/11 by D. J. McComas, D. B. Alexashov, M. Bzowski +8 · 9 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics #Astro and Planetary Science #Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies #Heliosphere #Physics #Bow shock (aerodynamics) #Interstellar medium #Solar wind #Interstellar cloud #Energetic neutral atom #Astrophysics #Astronomy #Shock (circulatory) #Supersonic speed #Astrobiology #Plasma #Shock wave #Mechanics #Galaxy
paper · doi:10.1126/science.1221054
openalex publication_date 2012/05/11 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
As the Sun moves through the local interstellar medium, its supersonic, ionized solar wind carves out a cavity called the heliosphere. Recent observations from the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) spacecraft show that the relative motion of the Sun with respect to the interstellar medium is slower and in a somewhat different direction than previously thought. Here, we provide combined consensus values for this velocity vector and show that they have important implications for the global interstellar interaction. In particular, the velocity is almost certainly slower than the fast magnetosonic speed, with no bow shock forming ahead of the heliosphere, as was widely expected in the past.