Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

ExtonGuy t1_j7hp5qx wrote

Reply to comment by MantisToboganPilotMD in As the Sun is moving, is it leaving behind a wave of fire in its path? by misc0007

The heliotail isn't comet-like. It's made up of particles from the sun, but it points in four directions, like a four-leaf clover. It is not affected by the sun's motion around the galaxy.

1

MantisToboganPilotMD t1_j7huabo wrote

The reason I relate it as such is because a comet’s tail doesn’t trail parallel to its trajectory, but rather parallel with the sun’s rays. As the heliotail’s orientation and shape are determined by the Interstellar Magnetic Field’s direction and strength

1

ExtonGuy t1_j7huxe3 wrote

I thought the heliotail's shape was more determined by the pattern of ejection from the sun. Faster particles from the poles, slower from the equator, in a "puffing" sequence.

1

MantisToboganPilotMD t1_j7i1nm2 wrote

I think you’re right about shape, but I thought the overall orientation/direction was as I said - I’m very happy to be corrected if I’m wrong.

1