Solar Orbiter: early in situ measurements
Abstract
Solar Orbiter was launched in February 2020 and carries four in situ instruments: the Energetic Particle Detector (EPD); the magnetometer (MAG); the Radio and Plasma Wave experiment (RPW); and the Solar Wind Analyser (SWA). Following commissioning, all instruments are operating well and taking excellent data. We give a brief overview of the in situ measurements through Orbiter's early operations, including the first perihelion at 0.52 AU. These first data reveal a rich range of phenomena including: solar energetic particle events at 0.6 AU; a coronal mass ejection measured at 0.8 AU upstream of the Earth; the first heavy ion measurements from the inner heliosphere; dust and waves throughout the inner heliosphere, including from comet ATLAS; and switchbacks from polar coronal holes at 0.5 AU. We discuss the operational strategies of the in situ payload, the plans for coordination with other missions, and the prospects for science during the coming years.