Three-dimensional, time-dependent MHD simulations of interplanetary plasmoids

Abstract

The paper presents a three-dimensional time-dependent simulation of a solar-ejected diamagnetic plasmoid that retains its closed topology to and beyond earth. It is assumed in this case that, before entering the computational domain, the plasmoid already exists at or near the sun. A simulation is also presented for a plasmoid that is formed in the corona near the sun or in the interplanetary medium as a consequence of the reconnection of opposite-directed IMF lines. The plasma and magnetic properties of the expanding plasmoid as it moves toward an observer at 1 AU are described.