Parker Solar Probe finds twisted magnetic braids in the solar wind

Analysis of Parker Solar Probe data revealed a pair of counter-rotating helical peaks in magnetic helicity near the ion kinetic interface. Their frequencies skew low, indicating nonlocal evolution and a possible link to the helicity barrier that affects coronal heating.

• Parker data show counter-rotating helical peaks at the ion boundary
• Frequencies skew low, pointing to nonlocal evolution of structures
• Helicity may explain the barrier blocking turbulent energy transfer
• The helical signal vanishes across the heliospheric current sheet