Multi-spacecraft observations of heliographic structure of the solar wind speed

Multi-spacecraft observations in the interplanetary space are used to build up a picture of the distribution of solar wind velocities in heliographic latitude and longitude. Analyses are made for the solar wind data obtained by Sakigake, Suisei, IMP-8 and Giotto between late 1985 and early 1987. Until Janaury 1986, high-speed streams were extended across the equator from the high latitudes of the heliosphere. After March 1986, high-speed streams were rarely seen on the equator. Although there remained a slight wavy pattern in latitude-longitude structure, low-speed streams were basically ranged along the equator. After January 1987, the amplitude of this wavy pattern was further diminished and low-speed regions were completely aligned to the equator.