Time series of magnetic field data during previous cometary flybys. The vertical dashed lines indicate the times of bow shock crossings, and the dotted lines represent the time of closest approach. The flybys (panels) are ordered in decreasing time spent within the respective plasma environment. Vega 2 did not observe the actual bow shock crossing with its magnetometer, and the distance of Sakigake at the flyby was too large for it to enter the plasma environment. The Suisei spacecraft did not carry a magnetometer and is therefore not included in this plot.