First Results From the SCM Search‐Coil Magnetometer on Parker Solar Probe

Abstract

AbstractParker Solar Probe is the first mission to probe in situ the innermost heliosphere, revealing an exceptionally dynamic and structured outer solar corona. Its payload includes a search‐coil magnetometer (SCM) that measures up to three components of the fluctuating magnetic field between 3 Hz and 1 MHz. After more than 3 years of operation, the SCM has revealed a multitude of different wave phenomena in the solar wind. Here we present an overview of some of the discoveries made so far. These include oblique and sunward propagating whistler waves that are important for their interaction with energetic electrons, the first observation of the magnetic signature associated with escaping electrons during dust impacts, the first observation of the magnetic field component for slow extraordinary wave modes during type III radio burst events, and more. This study focuses on the major observations to date, including a description of the instrument and lessons learned.