Analysis of the Tangential Velocity in Magnetic Switchbacks

Since its launch in 2018, the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) has gathered data on magnetic switchbacks during its progressively closer perihelion passes. These switchbacks involve reversals in the radial component of the Sun's magnetic field, while the overall magnitude remains fairly consistent. Previous research has examined various plasma properties within these regions, and several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the origin of switchbacks. One theory suggests that the tangential solar wind velocity should exhibit a one-sided bias within large switchbacks. In this study, we analyze the tangential velocity of the solar wind during PSP's close approaches (less than 0.25 AU) for encounters 12-17. Our findings show that, as predicted, the average tangential velocity is positive in most large switchbacks.