Gas dynamics of solar wind interaction with interstellar gas: theory and experiment.

Abstract

A survey of the current situation in gas dynamic models of solar wind interaction with the local interstellar medium (LISM) is presented. The role of these models in interpreting a number of observed physical phenomena is investigated. Attention is concentrated on the self-consistent gas dynamic model of solar wind interaction with the supersonic two-component (H atoms and plasma) LISM, taking into account the processes of resonance charge exchange. Possible observational tests for determining the interstellar plasma component motion relative to the Sun are discussed. The problem of the heliopause stability is analyzed. Results of gas dynamic models could be useful for interpretation of experimental data obtained and prediction of new physical phenomena which will be observed by means of "Voyager 1 and 2", "Pioneer 10 and 11", "Ulysses", "Interstellar probe" spacecraft, etc.