Context. Parker Solar Probe's first solar encounter has revealed the presence of sudden
magnetic field deflections in the slow Alfvénic solar wind. These structures, which are often
called switchbacks, are associated with proton velocity enhancements. Aims. We study their
statistical properties with a special focus on their boundaries. Methods. Using data from
SWEAP and FIELDS, we investigate particle and wavefield properties. The magnetic
boundaries are analyzed with the minimum variance technique. Results. Switchbacks are …

Switchbacks are probably the most prominent features observed by Parker Solar Probe
during its first encounter with the Sun. These magnetic structures with reversed polarity have
well defined boundaries, higher proton velocity with respect to the surrounding plasma,
enhanced wave activity inside the structures and at the boundaries. Their duration varies
from a few seconds to tens of minutes.