Evolution of the Heliotail Lobes over a Solar Cycle as Measured by IBEX

Abstract Energetic neutral atom (ENA) measurements by IBEX reveal that the heliotail comprises an energy-dependent multilobe structure. We examine evolution over 11 yr of observations covering a full solar cycle (SC). find following: (1) The structure persists entire SC, comprising three ENA-enhanced and two ENA-suppressed lobes. (2) Lobe sizes locations are generally stable but exhibit variations in ENA fluxes driven SC. (3) centers follow cyclic behavior multiple SC phases, indicating direct signatures slow fast wind (SW) interactions inner heliosheath (IHS). (4) tilted plane passing through port–starboard lobes’ oscillates latitude maintains its tilt from ecliptic plane, likely consequence interstellar magnetic field draping around heliosphere. (5) transition central single lobe at ?1.1 keV to lobes above ?2 is SC-dependent directly reflects IHS plasma properties, i.e., when SW polar coronal holes change time. (6) exhibits substructure enhanced offset downwind direction, possibly asymmetric emission or asymmetry parent distribution. These results general stability time distinct individual properties relation phases. Furthermore, show effects phases tail, reflecting different travel times source histories.