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Radial gradient of solar wind velocity from 1 to 5 AUSolar wind velocities have been measured on a daily basis from data obtained by the Ames Research Center plasma analyzers on both Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11. A comparison between the time profiles of the solar wind velocities observed at the two spacecraft shows that the solar wind has the same major features, such as high velocity streams, out to at least 5 astronomical units (AU) from the sun. Major features in the velocity time profile observed first at Pioneer 11 are seen later at Pioneer 10 with a delay consistent with the respective heliocentric longitudes of the two spacecraft, their radial distances from the sun, and the solar wind velocity. A more detailed comparison between the velocity measurements made at Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11 shows that the range of solar wind velocities decreases with increasing radial distance from the sun. Although the average value of the solar wind velocity as measured over a sufficiently long period is approximately the same at both spacecraft, the deviations to higher and lower velocities are less at a greater radial distance from the sun.
Document ID
19740023174
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Collard, H. R. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Wolfe, J. H. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 3, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1974
Subject Category
Space Radiation
Report/Patent Number
NASA-TM-X-62372
Accession Number
74N31287
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 811-22-04
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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