Solar Magnetic Switchbacks Produced by Magnetized ‎Coulomb Scattering between Galactic Cosmic Rays and ‎Solar Radiation

Jamal S. Shrair ‎; John L. Turner ‎

doi:10.14331/ijfps.2026.330188

Authors

Jamal S. Shrair Electronic Engineer and Independent Astrophysics Researcher, Austria Author
John L. Turner ‎ Physicist; former energy-sector professional, Switzerland Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14331/ijfps.2026.330188

Keywords:

magnetic switchbacks, Galactic Cosmic Rays, Coulomb scattering, magnetized plasma, solar wind, ‎coronal heating‎, anti-Stokes scattering

Abstract

Magnetic switchbacks contribute significantly to coronal heating and the acceleration of the solar wind. In this study, they are ‎considered a weakly collisional plasma phenomenon influenced by the magnetic-field configuration rather than a process ‎arising solely from electrostatic Coulomb collisions. The proposed mechanism involves magnetic scattering associated with ‎interactions between low-energy Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs; 3–30 MeV/nuc) and solar radiation. These interactions are ‎considered to become more pronounced during periods of enhanced solar activity, including the release of Solar Energetic ‎Particles (SEPs). Within this framework, highly modulated GCRs interacting weakly with solar radiation are proposed to ‎generate magnetic switchbacks through a form of anti-Stokes Raman-like scattering. This process transfers energy within the ‎magnetized plasma, thereby contributing to plasma heating and solar-wind acceleration. The interaction is nonlinear and non-‎isotropic, with the external magnetic field modifying charged-particle dynamics and producing characteristic S-shaped ‎trajectories. In the presence of a strong magnetic field, Coulomb scattering can be substantially modified because cyclotron ‎motion (gyromotion) interacts with the Coulomb potential. Consequently, charged particles may follow complex, S-shaped, or ‎non-monotonic trajectories rather than the simple hyperbolic paths associated with conventional unmagnetized Coulomb ‎scattering. The proposed mechanism provides the basis for examining the possible role of magnetized Coulomb scattering in ‎the formation of solar magnetic switchbacks.‎

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Author Biographies

Jamal S. Shrair , Electronic Engineer and Independent Astrophysics Researcher, Austria
John L. Turner ‎, Physicist; former energy-sector professional, Switzerland

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