The Structure of the Large-Scale Heliosphere as Seen by Current Models
J. Kleimann, K. Dialynas, Federico Fraternale, André Galli, J. Heerikhuisen, V. Izmodenov, Marc Kornbleuth, M. Opher, N. V. Pogorelov
Abstract
This review summarizes the current state of research aiming at a description of the global heliosphere using both analytical and numerical modeling efforts, particularly in view of the overall plasma/neutral flow and magnetic field structure, and its relation to energetic neutral atoms. Being part of a larger volume on current heliospheric research, it also lays out a number of key concepts and describes several classic, though still relevant early works on the topic. Regarding numerical simulations, emphasis is put on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD), multi-fluid, kinetic-MHD, and hybrid modeling frameworks. Finally, open issues relating to the physical relevance of so-called "croissant" models of the heliosphere, as well as the general (dis)agreement of model predictions with observations are highlighted and critically discussed.