The Heliospheric Current Sheet Observed by Parker Solar Probe

Authors: A. Szabo (NASA/GSFC), J. Verniero(NASA/GSFC), D. Larson (UC Berkeley), P. Whittlesey(UC Berkeley), M. L. Stevens(SAO), A. Koval(NASA/GSFC), M. Pulupa(UC Berkeley), R. Livi(UC Berkeley), J. C. Kasper(BWXT), S. Bale(UC Berkeley)

The Heliospheric Current Sheet (HCS), separating the two magnetic polarities of the heliosphere, was encountered by Parker Solar Probe (PSP) closer to the Sun than any previous mission. The HCS near the Sun is much more variable and rich in internal structure than previous 1 AU observations revealed. The likely local shape and motion of the HCS will be presented along with signatures of associated sub-structures.