Dynamics of cometary plasma tails

Abstract

Cometary plasma tail data obtained before and after the current appearance of Halley's Comet are reviewed. The relation between the formation of plasma tails and comet/solar-wind interactions is discussed. The ion rays and helical waves of the plasma tail are described. The disconnection events and interaction of bright comets with the IMF, associated with the current appearance of Comet Halley, are examined. Consideration is given to the cometary magnetic barriers observed by the Vega-1 and Vega-2 spacecraft.