scholarly journals A Model of Solar X-ray Bright Points and Ephemeral Active Regions

1979 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 671 ◽  
Author(s):  
JH Piddington
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Flux ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Flux Rope ◽  
Active Regions ◽  
Activity Cycle ◽  
Solar Magnetic Fields ◽  
Flux Tubes ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Field System

Solar ephemeral active regions may provide a larger amount of emerging magnetic flux than the active regions themselves, and the origin and disposal of this flux pose problems. The related X-ray bright points are a major feature of coronal dynamics, and the two phenomena may entail a revision of our ideas of the activity cycle. A new large-scale subsurface magnetic field system has been suggested, but it is shown that such a system is neither plausible nor necessary. The emerging magnetic bipoles merely represent loops in pre-existing vertical flux tubes which are parts of active regions or the remnants of active regions. These loops result from the kink (or helical) instability in a twisted flux tube. Their observed properties are explained in terms of the flux-rope theory of solar fields. The model is extended to some dynamical effects in emerging loops. Further observations of ephemeral active regions may provide important tests between the traditional and flux-rope theories of solar magnetic fields.

scholarly journals Numerical Simulations of Large-scale Solar Magnetic Fields

1985 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 999 ◽  
Author(s):  
CR DeVore ◽  
NR Sheeley Jr ◽  
JP Boris ◽  
TR Young Jr ◽  
KL Harvey
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Flux ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Sunspot Cycle ◽  
Active Regions ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Solar Magnetic Fields ◽  
Field Patterns ◽  
Large Scale Magnetic Field ◽  
The Magnetic Field

We have solved numerically a transport equation which describes the evolution of the large-scale magnetic field of the Sun. Data derived from solar magnetic observations are used to initialize the computations and to account for the emergence of new magnetic flux during the sunspot cycle. Our objective is to assess the ability of the model to reproduce the observed evolution of the field patterns. We discuss recent results from simulations of individual active regions over a few solar rotations and of the magnetic field of the Sun over sunspot cycle 21.

scholarly journals Magnetic field evolution of active regions and sunspots in connection with chromospheric and coronal activities

2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (S273) ◽  
pp. 157-163
Author(s):  
Toshifumi Shimizu
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Magnetic Flux ◽  
Active Regions ◽  
Vector Magnetic Field ◽  
Optical Telescope ◽  
Magnetic Field Data ◽  
Flux Tubes ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Magnetic Flux Tubes

AbstractCa II H imaging observations by the Hinode Solar Optical Telescope (SOT) have revealed that the chromosphere is extremely dynamic and that ejections and jets are well observed in moat region around sunspots. X-ray and EUV observations show frequent occurrence of microflaring activities around sunspots; small emerging flux or moving magnetic features approaching opposite pre-existing magnetic flux can be identified on the footpoints for half of microflares studied, while no encounters of opposite polarities are observed at footpoints for the others even with SOT high spatial magnetorams (Kano et al. 2010). Another observations tell the involvement of twisted magnetic fields in the microflares accompanied by no polarity encounters at the footpoints. Some type of sunspot light bridges shows recurrent occurrence of chromospheric ejections, and photospheric vector magnetic field data suggests that twsited magnetic flux tubes lying along light bridge play vital roles in producing such ejections (Shimizu et al. 2009). This presentation reviewed observational findings from these studies. We will need to understand the 3D configuration of magnetic fields for better understanding of activity triggers in the solar atmosphere.

scholarly journals Reconstructing solar magnetic fields from historical observations

2019 ◽  
Vol 627 ◽  
pp. A11
Author(s):  
I. O. I. Virtanen ◽  
I. I. Virtanen ◽  
A. A. Pevtsov ◽  
L. Bertello ◽  
A. Yeates ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Active Regions ◽  
Long Term Evolution ◽  
Photospheric Magnetic Field ◽  
Solar Magnetic Fields ◽  
Term Evolution ◽  
Large Scale Field

Aims. The evolution of the photospheric magnetic field has only been regularly observed since the 1970s. The absence of earlier observations severely limits our ability to understand the long-term evolution of solar magnetic fields, especially the polar fields that are important drivers of space weather. Here, we test the possibility to reconstruct the large-scale solar magnetic fields from Ca II K line observations and sunspot magnetic field observations, and to create synoptic maps of the photospheric magnetic field for times before modern-time magnetographic observations. Methods. We reconstructed active regions from Ca II K line synoptic maps and assigned them magnetic polarities using sunspot magnetic field observations. We used the reconstructed active regions as input in a surface flux transport simulation to produce synoptic maps of the photospheric magnetic field. We compared the simulated field with the observed field in 1975−1985 in order to test and validate our method. Results. The reconstruction very accurately reproduces the long-term evolution of the large-scale field, including the poleward flux surges and the strength of polar fields. The reconstruction has slightly less emerging flux because a few weak active regions are missing, but it includes the large active regions that are the most important for the large-scale evolution of the field. Although our reconstruction method is very robust, individual reconstructed active regions may be slightly inaccurate in terms of area, total flux, or polarity, which leads to some uncertainty in the simulation. However, due to the randomness of these inaccuracies and the lack of long-term memory in the simulation, these problems do not significantly affect the long-term evolution of the large-scale field.

scholarly journals Variations of the Coronal Radiation in X-ray Related to Coronal Holes, Active Region Loop Systems, Bright Points

1994 ◽  
Vol 143 ◽  
pp. 159-171
Author(s):  
Ester Antonucci
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Coronal Holes ◽  
Active Regions ◽  
Coronal Magnetic Field ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Coronal Structures

The coronal features observed in X-ray emission, varying from the small-scale, short-lived bright points to the large-scale, long-lived coronal holes, are closely associated with the coronal magnetic field and its topology, and their variability depends strongly on the solar cycle. Here we discuss the spatial distribution of the coronal structures, the frequency distribution of the brightness variations in active regions, and the role of magnetic reconnection in determining the variability of the coronal features, on the basis of the new observations of the soft X-ray emission recently obtained with the Yohkoh satellite and the NIXT experiment.

scholarly journals Large-scale fluctuations of PSBL magnetic flux tubes induced by the field-aligned motion of highly accelerated ions

2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 1273-1288 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. E. Grigorenko ◽  
T. M. Burinskaya ◽  
M. Shevelev ◽  
J.-A. Sauvaud ◽  
L. M. Zelenyi
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Flux ◽  
Plasma Sheet ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Main Magnetic Field ◽  
Sudden Increase ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Flux Tubes ◽  
Magnetic Flux Tubes

Abstract. We present a comprehensive analysis of magnetic field and plasma data measured in the course of 170 crossings of the lobeward edge of Plasma Sheet Boundary Layer (PSBL) in the Earth's magnetotail by Cluster spacecraft. We found that large-scale fluctuations of the magnetic flux tubes have been registered during intervals of propagation of high velocity field-aligned ions. The observed kink-like oscillations propagate earthward along the main magnetic field with phase velocities of the order of local Alfvén velocity and have typical wavelengths ~5–20 RE, and frequencies of the order of 0.004–0.02 Hz. The oscillations of PSBL magnetic flux tubes are manifested also in a sudden increase of drift velocity of cold lobe ions streaming tailward. Since in the majority of PSBL crossings in our data set, the densities of currents corresponding to electron-ion relative drift have been low, the investigation of Kelvin-Helmholtz (K-H) instability in a bounded flow sandwiched between the plasma sheet and the lobe has been performed to analyze its relevance to generation of the observed ultra-low frequency oscillations with wavelengths much larger than the flow width. The calculations have shown that, when plasma conditions are favorable for the excitation of K-H instability at least at one of the flow boundaries, kink-like ultra-low frequency waves, resembling the experimentally observed ones, could become unstable and efficiently develop in the system.

scholarly journals Magnetic structure of sunspot under the photosphere

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (H15) ◽  
pp. 351-351
Author(s):  
Elena A. Kirichek ◽  
Alexandr A. Solov'ev
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Flux ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Propagation Speed ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Flux Tubes ◽  
Magnetoacoustic Waves ◽  
Deep Layers ◽  
Magnetic Flux Tubes ◽  
Wave Propagation Speed

In recent years, the local helioseismology has become a highly effective tool for investigating subphotospheric layers of the Sun, which can yield fairly detailed distributions of the subphotospheric temperatures and large-scale plasma flows based on the spectra of the oscillations observed at the photospheric layers and the observed peculiarities of propagation of magnetoacoustic waves in this medium (Zhao et al. (2001), Kosovichev (2006)). Unfortunately, the effects of temperature and the magnetic field on the wave propagation speed have not yet been separated Kosovichev (2006), so that the structure of the sunspot magnetic field in deep layers, beneath the photosphere, remains a subject of purely theoretical analysis. In his analysis of some theoretical models of the subphotospheric layers of sunspots based on recent helioseismological data, Kosovichev (2006) concluded that Parker's (“spaghetti”) cluster model Parker (1979) is most appropriate. In this model, the magnetic flux in the sunspot umbra is concentrated into separate, strongly compressed, vertical magnetic flux tubes that are interspaced with plasma that is almost free of magnetic field; the plasma can move between these tubes.

scholarly journals Two classes of eruptive events during Solar Minimum

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prantika Bhowmik ◽  
Anthony Yeates
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Free Energy ◽  
Magnetic Flux ◽  
Solar Minimum ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Solar Surface ◽  
Coronal Holes ◽  
Active Regions ◽  
Coronal Magnetic Field ◽  
The Magnetic Field

<p>During Solar Minimum, the Sun is perceived to be quite inactive with barely any spots emerging on the solar surface. Consequently, we observe a drop in the number of highly energetic events such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are often associated with active regions on the photosphere. However, our magnetofrictional simulations during the minimum period suggest that the solar corona could still be significantly dynamic while evolving in response to the large-scale shearing velocities on the solar surface. The non-potential evolution of the corona leads to the accumulation of magnetic free energy and helicity, which is periodically lost through eruptive events. Our study shows that these events can be categorised into two distinct classes. One set of events are caused due to full-scale eruption of low-lying coronal flux ropes and could be associated with occasional filament erupting CMEs observed during Solar Minimum. The other set of events are not driven by destabilisation of low-lying structures but rather by eruption from overlying sheared arcades. These could be linked with streamer blowouts or stealth CMEs. The two classes differ considerably in the amount of magnetic flux and helicity shed through the outer coronal boundary. We additionally investigate how other measurables such as current, open magnetic flux, free energy, coronal holes area, and the horizontal component of the magnetic field on the outer model boundary vary during the two classes of event. This study demonstrates and emphasises the importance and necessity of understanding the dynamics of the coronal magnetic field during Solar Minimum.</p>

scholarly journals Patterns of active region magnetic field development

1968 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 11-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Bumba ◽  
R. Howard ◽  
M.J. Martres ◽  
I. Soru-Iscovici
Keyword(s):  
Active Region ◽  
Magnetic Flux ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Active Regions ◽  
Activity Cycle ◽  
Background Field ◽  
Field Pattern ◽  
Field Development ◽  
Activity Models ◽  
Gradual Expansion

We discuss some characteristics of the appearance and development of magnetic fields within active regions as well as the large-scale ordering of activity into complexes of activity. It is not possible to separate a study of the evolution of active regions from a study of the model of the activity cycle. Many of the results obtained in the last few years concerning the development of active regions and large-scale activity have not been easily explained within any of the solar activity models. A chronological scheme of the development of a ‘typical’ C- or D-type active region is presented. We point out that the appearance of magnetic flux at the solar surface seems always to be a relatively rapid event, occurring during the course of a day or so. If the region does not receive more magnetic flux to make it a large region or if there is not a resurgence of activity later in its lifetime, the rest of the development is a gradual expansion and mixing of magnetic flux with the surrounding background field pattern.

scholarly journals Investigation of Spatially Unresolved Magnetic Field Outside Sunspots Using Hinode/SOT Observations

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (S325) ◽  
pp. 59-62
Author(s):  
Olga Botygina ◽  
Mykola Gordovskyy ◽  
Vsevolod Lozitsky
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Magnetic Flux ◽  
Zeeman Effect ◽  
Active Regions ◽  
Line Ratio ◽  
Optical Telescope ◽  
Flux Tubes ◽  
Magnetic Flux Tubes ◽  
The Magnetic Field

AbstractThe structure of photospheric magnetic fields outside sunspots is investigated in three active regions using Hinode/Solar Optical Telescope(SOT) observations. We analyze Zeeman effect in FeI 6301.5 and FeI 6302.5 lines and determine the observed magnetic field value Beff for each of them. We find that the line ratio Beff(6301)/Beff(6302) is close to 1.3 in the range Beff < 0.2 kG, and close to 1.0 for 0.8 kG < Beff < 1.2 kG. We find that the observed magnetic field is formed by flux tubes with the magnetic field strengths 1.3 − 2.3 kG even in places with weak observed magnetic field fluxes. We also estimate the diameters of smallest magnetic flux tubes to be 15 − 20 km.

scholarly journals Eruptions from coronal hole bright points: Observations and non-potential modelling

2020 ◽  
Vol 643 ◽  
pp. A19
Author(s):  
Maria S. Madjarska ◽  
Klaus Galsgaard ◽  
Duncan H. Mackay ◽  
Kostadinka Koleva ◽  
Momchil Dechev
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Flux ◽  
Coronal Hole ◽  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
Coronal Holes ◽  
Free Field ◽  
Flux Rope ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Lift Off

Context. We report on the third part of a series of studies on eruptions associated with small-scale loop complexes named coronal bright points (CBPs). Aims. A single case study of a CBP in an equatorial coronal hole with an exceptionally large size is investigated to expand on our understanding of the formation of mini-filaments, their destabilisation, and the origin of the eruption triggering the formation of jet-like features recorded in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and X-ray emission. We aim to explore the nature of the so-called micro-flares in CBPs associated with jets in coronal holes and mini coronal mass ejections in the quiet Sun. Methods. Co-observations from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) and Helioseismic Magnetic Imager (HMI) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory as well as GONG Hα images are used together with a non-linear force free field (NLFFF) relaxation approach, where the latter is based on a time series of HMI line-of-sight magnetograms. Results. A mini-filament (MF) that formed beneath the CBP arcade about 3−4 h before the eruption is seen in the Hα and EUV AIA images to lift up and erupt triggering the formation of an X-ray jet. No significant photospheric magnetic flux concentration displacement (convergence) is observed and neither is magnetic flux cancellation between the two main magnetic polarities forming the CBP in the time period leading to MF lift-off. The CBP micro-flare is associated with three flare kernels that formed shortly after the MF lift-off. No observational signature is found for magnetic reconnection beneath the erupting MF. The applied NLFFF modelling successfully reproduces both the CBP loop complex as well as the magnetic flux rope that hosts the MF during the build-up to the eruption. Conclusions. The applied NLFFF modelling is able to clearly show that an initial potential field can be evolved into a non-potential magnetic field configuration that contains free magnetic energy in the region that observationally hosts the eruption. The comparison of the magnetic field structure shows that the magnetic NLFFF model contains many of the features that can explain the different observational signatures found in the evolution and eruption of the CBP. In the future, it may eventually indicate the location of destabilisation that results in the eruptions of flux ropes.

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