scholarly journals Signature and escape of highly fractionated plasma in an active region

2021 ◽  
Vol 508 (2) ◽  
pp. 1831-1841
Author(s):  
David H Brooks ◽  
Stephanie L Yardley
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Solar Wind ◽  
Active Region ◽  
Active Regions ◽  
Abundance Ratio ◽  
Elemental Abundance ◽  
Composition Analysis ◽  
Closed Field ◽  
Coronal Loops ◽  
Magnetic Field Model

ABSTRACT Accurate forecasting of space weather requires knowledge of the source regions where solar energetic particles (SEP) and eruptive events originate. Recent work has linked several major SEP events in 2014, January, to specific features in the host active region (AR 11944). In particular, plasma composition measurements in and around the footpoints of hot, coronal loops in the core of the active region were able to explain the values later measured in situ by the Wind spacecraft. Due to important differences in elemental composition between SEPs and the solar wind, the magnitude of the Si/S elemental abundance ratio emerged as a key diagnostic of SEP seed population and solar wind source locations. We seek to understand if the results are typical of other active regions, even if they are not solar wind sources or SEP productive. In this paper, we use a novel composition analysis technique, together with an evolutionary magnetic field model, in a new approach to investigate a typical solar active region (AR 11150), and identify the locations of highly fractionated (high Si/S abundance ratio) plasma. Material confined near the footpoints of coronal loops, as in AR 11944, that in this case have expanded to the AR periphery, show the signature, and can be released from magnetic field opened by reconnection at the AR boundary. Since the fundamental characteristics of closed field loops being opened at the AR boundary is typical of active regions, this process is likely to be general.

scholarly journals Numerical simulation of helical jets at active region peripheries

2019 ◽  
Vol 490 (3) ◽  
pp. 3679-3690 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter F Wyper ◽  
C Richard DeVore ◽  
Spiro K Antiochos
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Active Region ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Flux Rope ◽  
Active Regions ◽  
Quantitative Agreement ◽  
Null Point ◽  
Closed Field ◽  
The Magnetic Field ◽  
Bald Patch

ABSTRACT Coronal jets are observed above minority-polarity intrusions throughout the solar corona. Some of the most energetic ones occur on the periphery of active regions where the magnetic field is strongly inclined. These jets exhibit a non-radial propagation in the low corona as they follow the inclined field, and often have a broad, helical shape. We present a three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulation of such an active-region-periphery helical jet. We consider an initially potential field with a bipolar flux distribution embedded in a highly inclined magnetic field, representative of the field nearby an active region. The flux of the minority polarity sits below a bald-patch separatrix initially. Surface motions are used to inject free energy into the closed field beneath the separatrix, forming a sigmoidal flux rope that eventually erupts producing a helical jet. We find that a null point replaces the bald patch early in the evolution and that the eruption results from a combination of magnetic breakout and an ideal kinking of the erupting flux rope. We discuss how the two mechanisms are coupled, and compare our results with previous simulations of coronal-hole jets. This comparison supports the hypothesis that the generic mechanism for all coronal jets is a coupling between breakout reconnection and an ideal instability. We further show that our results are in good qualitative and quantitative agreement with observations of active-region-periphery jets.

scholarly journals Energetics of magnetic transients in a solar active region plage

2019 ◽  
Vol 623 ◽  
pp. A176 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. P. Chitta ◽  
A. R. C. Sukarmadji ◽  
L. Rouppe van der Voort ◽  
H. Peter
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Active Region ◽  
Magnetic Flux ◽  
Numerical Simulations ◽  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Coronal Loops ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Flux Emergence ◽  
Transient Events

Context. Densely packed coronal loops are rooted in photospheric plages in the vicinity of active regions on the Sun. The photospheric magnetic features underlying these plage areas are patches of mostly unidirectional magnetic field extending several arcsec on the solar surface. Aims. We aim to explore the transient nature of the magnetic field, its mixed-polarity characteristics, and the associated energetics in the active region plage using high spatial resolution observations and numerical simulations. Methods. We used photospheric Fe I 6173 Å spectropolarimetric observations of a decaying active region obtained from the Swedish 1-m Solar Telescope (SST). These data were inverted to retrieve the photospheric magnetic field underlying the plage as identified in the extreme-ultraviolet emission maps obtained from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). To obtain better insight into the evolution of extended unidirectional magnetic field patches on the Sun, we performed 3D radiation magnetohydrodynamic simulations of magnetoconvection using the MURaM code. Results. The observations show transient magnetic flux emergence and cancellation events within the extended predominantly unipolar patch on timescales of a few 100 s and on spatial scales comparable to granules. These transient events occur at the footpoints of active region plage loops. In one case the coronal response at the footpoints of these loops is clearly associated with the underlying transient. The numerical simulations also reveal similar magnetic flux emergence and cancellation events that extend to even smaller spatial and temporal scales. Individual simulated transient events transfer an energy flux in excess of 1 MW m−2 through the photosphere. Conclusions. We suggest that the magnetic transients could play an important role in the energetics of active region plage. Both in observations and simulations, the opposite-polarity magnetic field brought up by transient flux emergence cancels with the surrounding plage field. Magnetic reconnection associated with such transient events likely conduits magnetic energy to power the overlying chromosphere and coronal loops.

scholarly journals Interplanetary magnetic field control of Saturn's polar cusp aurora

2005 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 1405-1431 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. J. Bunce ◽  
S. W. H. Cowley ◽  
S. E. Milan
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Solar Wind ◽  
Interplanetary Magnetic Field ◽  
Field Line ◽  
High Latitude ◽  
Closed Field ◽  
Vortical Flows ◽  
Dayside Magnetopause ◽  
Closed Field Line ◽  
Lobe Reconnection

Abstract. Dayside UV emissions in Saturn's polar ionosphere have been suggested to be the first observational evidence of the kronian "cusp" (Gérard et al., 2004). The emission has two distinct states. The first is a bright arc-like feature located in the pre-noon sector, and the second is a more diffuse "spot" of aurora which lies poleward of the general location of the main auroral oval, which may be related to different upstream interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) orientations. Here we take up the suggestion that these emissions correspond to the cusp. However, direct precipitation of electrons in the cusp regions is not capable of producing significant UV aurora. We have therefore investigated the possibility that the observed UV emissions are associated with reconnection occurring at the dayside magnetopause, possibly pulsed, akin to flux transfer events seen at the Earth. We devise a conceptual model of pulsed reconnection at the low-latitude dayside magnetopause for the case of northwards IMF which will give rise to pulsed twin-vortical flows in the magnetosphere and ionosphere in the vicinity of the open-closed field-line boundary, and hence to bi-polar field-aligned currents centred in the vortical flows. During intervals of high-latitude lobe reconnection for southward IMF, we also expect to have pulsed twin-vortical flows and corresponding bi-polar field-aligned currents. The vortical flows in this case, however, are displaced poleward of the open-closed field line boundary, and are reversed in sense, such that the field-aligned currents are also reversed. For both cases of northward and southward IMF we have also for the first time included the effects associated with the IMF By effect. We also include the modulation introduced by the structured nature of the solar wind and IMF at Saturn's orbit by developing "slow" and "fast" flow models corresponding to intermediate and high strength IMF respectively. We then consider the conditions under which the plasma populations appropriate to either sub-solar reconnection or high-latitude lobe reconnection can carry the currents indicated. We have estimated the field-aligned voltages required, the resulting precipitating particle energy fluxes, and the consequent auroral output. Overall our model of pulsed reconnection under conditions of northwards and southwards IMF, and for varying orientations of IMF By, is found to produce a range of UV emission intensities and geometries which is in good agreement with the data presented by Gérard et al. (2004). The recent HST-Cassini solar wind campaign provides a unique opportunity to test the theoretical ideas presented here.

scholarly journals Magnetic field inference in active region coronal loops using coronal rain clumps

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Kriginsky ◽  
R. Oliver ◽  
P. Antolin ◽  
D. Kuridze ◽  
N. Freij
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Active Region ◽  
Coronal Loops ◽  
Coronal Rain

scholarly journals Modelling of Solar Coronal Loops

1992 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 661-662
Author(s):  
C. Jordan
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Active Region ◽  
Active Regions ◽  
Coronal Loops ◽  
Loop Structure ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Spectroscopic Observations ◽  
Available Information ◽  
Solar Coronal

Modelling of coronal active regions in terms of loop structures began around 1974 (see Jordan 1975) and was stimulated by images of the corona in X-rays and the uv, obtained from rocket flights. Vaiana was a pioneer in this field (see Vaiana et al. 1973). The Skylab missions provided a fuller range of imaging and spectroscopic observations, and much of the available information is still based on these data (see Orrall 1981). Since 1975 a very large number of papers have been published on the various aspects of loop structure, heating and stability (see review by Mewe 1991). Here I can mention only a few points concerning the relation between observable parameters and the energy balance and heating requirements of active region loops.

scholarly journals Joint Discussion 3 Solar active regions and 3D magnetic structure

2006 ◽  
Vol 2 (14) ◽  
pp. 139-168
Author(s):  
Debi Prasad Choudhary ◽  
Michal Sobotka
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Active Region ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Focal Point ◽  
Active Regions ◽  
Theoretical Modelling ◽  
Solar Chromosphere ◽  
Origin And Evolution ◽  
Solar Active Regions ◽  
The Magnetic Field

AbstractKeeping in view of the modern powerful observing tools, among othersHinode(formerlySOLAR-B),STEREOand Frequency-Agile Solar Radiotelescope, and sophisticated modelling techniques, Joint Discussion 3 during the IAU General Assembly 2006 focused on the properties of magnetic field of solar active regions starting in deep interior of the Sun, from where they buoyantly rise to the coronal heights where the site of most explosive events are located. Intimately related with the active regions, the origin and evolution of the magnetic field of quiet Sun, the large scale chromospheric structures were also the focal point of the Joint Discussion. The theoretical modelling of the generation and dynamics of magnetic field in solar convective zone show that the interaction of the magnetic field with the Coriolis force and helical turbulent convection results in the tilts and twists in the emerging flux. In the photosphere, some of these fluxes appear in sunspots with field strengths up to about 6100 G. Spectro-polarimetric measurements reveal that the line of sight velocities and magnetic field of these locations are found to be uncombed and depend on depth in the atmosphere and exhibit gradients or discontinuities. The inclined magnetic fields beyond penumbra appear as moving magnetic features that do not rise above upper photospheric heights. As the flux rises, the solar chromosphere is the most immediate and intermediary layer where competitive magnetic forces begin to dominate their thermodynamic counterparts. The magnetic field at these heights is now measured using several diagnostic lines such as CaII854.2 nm, HI656.3 nm, and HeI1083.0 nm. The radio observations show that the coronal magnetic field of post flare loops are of the order of 30 G, which might represent the force-free magnetic state of active region in the corona. The temperatures at these coronal heights, derived from the line widths, are in the range from 2.4 to 3.7 million degree. The same line profile measurements indicate the existence of asymmetric flows in the corona. The theoretical extrapolation of photospheric field into coronal heights and their comparison with the observations show that there exists a complex topology with separatrices associated to coronal null points. The interaction of these structures often lead to flares and coronal mass ejections. The current MHD modelling of active region field shows that for coronal mass ejection both local active region magnetic field and global magnetic field due to the surrounding magnetic flux are important. Here, we present an extended summary of the papers presented in Joint Discussion 03 and open questions related to the solar magnetic field that are likely to be the prime issue with the modern observing facilities such asHinodeandSTEREOmissions.

scholarly journals Global Coronal Equilibria with Solar Wind Outflow

2021 ◽  
Vol 923 (1) ◽  
pp. 57
Author(s):  
Oliver E. K. Rice ◽  
Anthony R. Yeates
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Solar Wind ◽  
Potential Field ◽  
Field Model ◽  
Coronal Magnetic Field ◽  
Source Surface ◽  
Radial Magnetic Field ◽  
Similar Time ◽  
Magnetic Field Model ◽  
Magnetohydrodynamic Simulations

Abstract Given a known radial magnetic field distribution on the Sun’s photospheric surface, there exist well-established methods for computing a potential magnetic field in the corona above. Such potential fields are routinely used as input to solar wind models, and to initialize magneto-frictional or full magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the coronal and heliospheric magnetic fields. We describe an improved magnetic field model that calculates a magneto-frictional equilibrium with an imposed solar wind profile (which can be Parker’s solar wind solution, or any reasonable equivalent). These “outflow fields” appear to approximate the real coronal magnetic field more closely than a potential field, take a similar time to compute, and avoid the need to impose an artificial source surface. Thus they provide a practical alternative to the potential field model for initializing time-evolving simulations or modeling the heliospheric magnetic field. We give an open-source Python implementation in spherical coordinates and apply the model to data from solar cycle 24. The outflow tends to increase the open magnetic flux compared to the potential field model, reducing the well-known discrepancy with in situ observations.

scholarly journals Solar stereoscopy – where are we and what developments do we require to progress?

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 2925-2936 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Wiegelmann ◽  
B. Inhester ◽  
L. Feng
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Active Region ◽  
Coronal Magnetic Field ◽  
Reconstruction Error ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Coronal Loops ◽  
Reconstruction Problem ◽  
Temperature Plasma ◽  
Solid Objects ◽  
Polar Plumes

Abstract. Observations from the two STEREO-spacecraft give us for the first time the possibility to use stereoscopic methods to reconstruct the 3-D solar corona. Classical stereoscopy works best for solid objects with clear edges. Consequently an application of classical stereoscopic methods to the faint structures visible in the optically thin coronal plasma is by no means straight forward and several problems have to be treated adequately: 1) First there is the problem of identifying one-dimensional structures – e.g. active region coronal loops or polar plumes- from the two individual EUV-images observed with STEREO/EUVI. 2) As a next step one has the association problem to find corresponding structures in both images. This becomes more difficult as the angle between STEREO-A and B increases. 3) Within the reconstruction problem stereoscopic methods are used to compute the 3-D-geometry of the identified structures. Without any prior assumptions, e.g., regarding the footpoints of coronal loops, the reconstruction problem has not one unique solution. 4) One has to estimate the reconstruction error or accuracy of the reconstructed 3-D-structure, which depends on the accuracy of the identified structures in 2-D, the separation angle between the spacecraft, but also on the location, e.g., for east-west directed coronal loops the reconstruction error is highest close to the loop top. 5) Eventually we are not only interested in the 3-D-geometry of loops or plumes, but also in physical parameters like density, temperature, plasma flow, magnetic field strength etc. Helpful for treating some of these problems are coronal magnetic field models extrapolated from photospheric measurements, because observed EUV-loops outline the magnetic field. This feature has been used for a new method dubbed "magnetic stereoscopy". As examples we show recent application to active region loops.

scholarly journals Magnetopause energy and mass transfer: results from a global MHD simulation

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (12) ◽  
pp. 3467-3480 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Palmroth ◽  
T. V. Laitinen ◽  
T. I. Pulkkinen
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Mass Transfer ◽  
Solar Wind ◽  
Energy Transfer ◽  
Dynamic Pressure ◽  
Solar Wind Dynamic Pressure ◽  
Closed Field ◽  
Dayside Magnetopause ◽  
Solar Wind Parameters ◽  
The Imf

Abstract. We use the global MHD model GUMICS-4 to investigate the energy and mass transfer through the magnetopause and towards the closed magnetic field as a response to the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) clock angle θ=arctan (BY/BZ), IMF magnitude, and solar wind dynamic pressure. We find that the mass and energy transfer at the magnetopause are different both in spatial characteristics and in response to changes in the solar wind parameters. The energy transfer follows best the sin2 (θ/2) dependence, although there is more energy transfer after large energy input, and the reconnection line follows the IMF rotation with a delay. There is no clear clock angle dependence in the net mass transfer through the magnetopause, but the mass transfer through the dayside magnetopause and towards the closed field occurs preferably for northward IMF. The energy transfer occurs through areas at the magnetopause that are perpendicular to the subsolar reconnection line. In contrast, the mass transfer occurs consistently along the reconnection line, both through the magnetopause and towards the closed field. Both the energy and mass transfer are enhanced in response to increased solar wind dynamic pressure, while increasing the IMF magnitude does not affect the transfer quantities as much.

scholarly journals Nature of the energy source powering solar coronal loops driven by nanoflares

2018 ◽  
Vol 615 ◽  
pp. L9 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. P. Chitta ◽  
H. Peter ◽  
S. K. Solanki
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Energy Source ◽  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
Magnetic Energy ◽  
Plasma Heating ◽  
Active Regions ◽  
Coronal Loops ◽  
Solar Dynamics Observatory ◽  
Mixed Polarity ◽  
Solar Dynamics

Context. Magnetic energy is required to heat the corona, the outer atmosphere of the Sun, to millions of degrees. Aims. We study the nature of the magnetic energy source that is probably responsible for the brightening of coronal loops driven by nanoflares in the cores of solar active regions. Methods. We consider observations of two active regions (ARs), 11890 and 12234, in which nanoflares have been detected. To this end, we use ultraviolet (UV) and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) images from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) for coronal loop diagnostics. These images are combined with the co-temporal line-of-sight magnetic field maps from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) onboard SDO to investigate the connection between coronal loops and their magnetic roots in the photosphere. Results. The core of these ARs exhibit loop brightening in multiple EUV channels of AIA, particularly in its 9.4 nm filter. The HMI magnetic field maps reveal the presence of a complex mixed polarity magnetic field distribution at the base of these loops. We detect the cancellation of photospheric magnetic flux at these locations at a rate of about 1015 Mx s−1. The associated compact coronal brightenings directly above the cancelling magnetic features are indicative of plasma heating due to chromospheric magnetic reconnection. Conclusions. We suggest that the complex magnetic topology and the evolution of magnetic field, such as flux cancellation in the photosphere and the resulting chromospheric reconnection, can play an important role in energizing active region coronal loops driven by nanoflares. Our estimate of magnetic energy release during flux cancellation in the quiet Sun suggests that chromospheric reconnection can also power the quiet corona.

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