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MantisToboganPilotMD t1_j7huabo wrote

Reply to comment by ExtonGuy in As the Sun is moving, is it leaving behind a wave of fire in its path? by misc0007

The reason I relate it as such is because a comet’s tail doesn’t trail parallel to its trajectory, but rather parallel with the sun’s rays. As the heliotail’s orientation and shape are determined by the Interstellar Magnetic Field’s direction and strength

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ExtonGuy t1_j7huxe3 wrote

I thought the heliotail's shape was more determined by the pattern of ejection from the sun. Faster particles from the poles, slower from the equator, in a "puffing" sequence.

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MantisToboganPilotMD t1_j7i1nm2 wrote

I think you’re right about shape, but I thought the overall orientation/direction was as I said - I’m very happy to be corrected if I’m wrong.

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