Stationary slow shocks in the magnetosheath for solar wind conditions with β < 2/γ: Three‐dimensional MHD simulations

Magnetohydrodynamic simulation results are presented of three‐dimensional bow shock flows around a conducting paraboloid surface. For upstream parameter values for which switch‐on shocks occur, a stationary secondary shock of slow type is formed which follows the leading shock front and is attached to it. These results may have direct implications for the structure of the flow in the Earth's magnetosheath. They offer a physically attractive explanation for the possible observation of stationary slow shocks in the magnetosheath and in the distant magnetotail region.