Transient small-scale brightenings in the quiet Sun corona: a model for "campfires" observed with Solar Orbiter

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yajie Chen ◽  
Damien Przybylski ◽  
Hardi Peter ◽  
Hui Tian
Keyword(s):  
Convection Zone ◽  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Coronal Emission ◽  
Lower Corona ◽  
Quiet Sun ◽  
Self Consistent ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Field Lines ◽  
The Magnetic Field

<div> <div> <div> <p>Recent observations by the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) onboard Solar Orbiter have revealed prevalent small-scale transient brightenings in the quiet solar corona termed campfires. To understand the generation mechanism of these coronal brightenings, we constructed a self- consistent and time-dependent quiet-Sun model extending from the upper convection zone to the lower corona using a realistic 3D radiation MHD simulation. From the model we have synthesized the coronal emission in the EUI 174 Å passband. We identified several transient coronal brightenings similar to those in EUI observations. The size and lifetime of these coronal brightenings are 2–4 Mm and ∼2 min, respectively. These brightenings are located at a height of 2–4 Mm above the photosphere, and the surrounding plasma is often heated above 1 MK. These findings are consistent with the observational characterisation of the campfires. Through a comparison of the magnetic field structures before and after the occurrence of brightenings, we conclude that these coronal brightenings are generated by component magnetic reconnection between interacting bundles of field lines or the relaxation of highly twisted flux ropes. Occurring in the coronal part of the atmosphere, these events show no measurable signature in the photosphere. These transient coronal brightenings may play an important role in heating of the local coronal plasma.</p> </div> </div> </div>

scholarly journals A small-scale EUV jet in the quiet Sun region

2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (S294) ◽  
pp. 555-559
Author(s):  
Junchao Hong ◽  
Yunchun Jiang ◽  
Ruisheng Zheng ◽  
Yi Bi
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Magnetic Reconnection ◽  
Solar Atmosphere ◽  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Quiet Sun ◽  
Filament Channel ◽  
Field Lines ◽  
Using Data

AbstractSolar jets are typical proxies of small-scale magnetic reconnection events in the solar atmosphere. In this paper, we observe a small-scale jet in a solar quiet region, using data from SDO/Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA), Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI), with supplemental data from STEREO/EUVI. From HMI magnetograms and calculated photospheric flows, we find that the jet is related to the interaction between unipolar network fields and emerging internetwork bipoles at the boundary of a supergranular cell. In AIA extreme-ultraviolet images, the jet actually includes two successive plasma ejections along different directions. The first ejection follows a distorted path which guides plasma into a small filament channel nearby. However, the second one shot straight along another direction that is parallel with extrapolated potential magnetic field lines on the local. According to these observations, we advocate that during the jet eruption new emerging magnetic fields are reconnecting at the edge of the supergranular cell with different kinds of ambient fields from low (magnetic canopy) to high (high-reaching loops) to allow the occurrence of successive ejections along different directions.

scholarly journals Simulating Solar Global Magnetism in 3-D

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (H16) ◽  
pp. 101-103
Author(s):  
A. S. Brun ◽  
A. Strugarek
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Recent Progress ◽  
Convection Zone ◽  
Thermal Structure ◽  
Solar Convection ◽  
Self Consistent ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Magnetic Field

AbstractWe briefly present recent progress using the ASH code to model in 3-D the solar convection, dynamo and its coupling to the deep radiative interior. We show how the presence of a self-consistent tachocline influences greatly the organization of the magnetic field and modifies the thermal structure of the convection zone leading to realistic profiles of the mean flows as deduced by helioseismology.

scholarly journals Emergence of small-scale magnetic flux in the quiet Sun

2020 ◽  
Vol 633 ◽  
pp. A67 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Kontogiannis ◽  
G. Tsiropoula ◽  
K. Tziotziou ◽  
C. Gontikakis ◽  
C. Kuckein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Flux ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Coronal Emission ◽  
Quiet Sun ◽  
Temperature Regimes ◽  
Multi Wavelength ◽  
Modelling Studies

Context. We study the evolution of a small-scale emerging flux region (EFR) in the quiet Sun, from its emergence in the photosphere to its appearance in the corona and its decay. Aims. We track processes and phenomena that take place across all atmospheric layers; we explore their interrelations and compare our findings with those from recent numerical modelling studies. Methods. We used imaging as well as spectral and spectropolarimetric observations from a suite of space-borne and ground-based instruments. Results. The EFR appears in the quiet Sun next to the chromospheric network and shows all morphological characteristics predicted by numerical simulations. The total magnetic flux of the region exhibits distinct evolutionary phases, namely an initial subtle increase, a fast increase with a Co-temporal fast expansion of the region area, a more gradual increase, and a slow decay. During the initial stages, fine-scale G-band and Ca II H bright points coalesce, forming clusters of positive- and negative-polarity in a largely bipolar configuration. During the fast expansion, flux tubes make their way to the chromosphere, pushing aside the ambient magnetic field and producing pressure-driven absorption fronts that are visible as blueshifted chromospheric features. The connectivity of the quiet-Sun network gradually changes and part of the existing network forms new connections with the newly emerged bipole. A few minutes after the bipole has reached its maximum magnetic flux, the bipole brightens in soft X-rays forming a coronal bright point. The coronal emission exhibits episodic brightenings on top of a long smooth increase. These coronal brightenings are also associated with surge-like chromospheric features visible in Hα, which can be attributed to reconnection with adjacent small-scale magnetic fields and the ambient quiet-Sun magnetic field. Conclusions. The emergence of magnetic flux even at the smallest scales can be the driver of a series of energetic phenomena visible at various atmospheric heights and temperature regimes. Multi-wavelength observations reveal a wealth of mechanisms which produce diverse observable effects during the different evolutionary stages of these small-scale structures.

scholarly journals Galactic Dynamos — a Challenge for Observers

1993 ◽  
Vol 157 ◽  
pp. 283-297
Author(s):  
Rainer Beck
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
General Distribution ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Dynamo Theory ◽  
Galactic Winds ◽  
Scale Field ◽  
Field Lines ◽  
Galactic Dynamos ◽  
The Magnetic Field

Results of linear αΩ-dynamo models are confronted with radio polarization observations of spiral galaxies. The general distribution of polarized emission and the magnetic field pitch angle can be described with sufficient accuracy. The occurrance of systematic large-scale variations in Faraday rotation (RM) is the strongest argument in favour of dynamo theory. However, the predominance of axisymmetric SO modes could not be confirmed by observations; S1 modes are about equally frequent. The azimuthal variations of field pitch angles and, in two cases, the phases of the RM variations are inconsistent with a classical αΩ-dynamo. Locally deviating RM values indicate field lines bending out of the plane. There is increasing evidence that galactic fields cannot be described by simple dynamo modes. This calls for more realistic dynamo models, taking into account non-axisymmetric velocity fields and galactic winds.Interpretation of radio observations is difficult because Faraday depolarization can seriously affect the data. Observations of small-scale field structures are summarized which show the path for future research. Instrumental needs for such investigations are discussed.

scholarly journals EUV Line Intensities and the Magnetic Field in Solar Active Regions

2001 ◽  
Vol 203 ◽  
pp. 276-279
Author(s):  
J. Ireland ◽  
A. Fludra
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
Active Regions ◽  
Central Meridian ◽  
Coronal Emission ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Line Intensities ◽  
Doppler Imager ◽  
Synoptic Observations ◽  
The Magnetic Field

The Coronal Diagnostic Spectrometer (CDS) on SOHO carries out daily synoptic observations of the Sun in four EUV (extreme ultraviolet) spectra: He I 584 Å, O V 630 Å, Mg IX 368 Å and Fe XVI 360 Å, over a 4 arcmin-wide strip along the solar central meridian. Using 53 active regions observed in this data set along with co-temporally observed SOHO-MDI (Michelson Doppler Imager) magnetograms we study the correlation of the chromospheric, transition region and coronal emission with the photospheric magnetic field for meridional active regions, probing the relation between the radiative output and magnetic observables. We also establish empirical, quantitative relations among intensities of different lines, and between intensities and the magnetic field flux.

scholarly journals Magnetospheric Processes Possibly Related to the Origin of Cosmic Rays

1981 ◽  
Vol 94 ◽  
pp. 373-391
Author(s):  
Gerhard Haerendel
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Shear Stresses ◽  
Acceleration Process ◽  
Dayside Magnetopause ◽  
Field Lines ◽  
The Magnetic Field ◽  
Auroral Particles

Two processes are discussed which violate the frozen-in condition in a highly conducting plasma, reconnection and the auroral acceleration process. The first applies to situations in which . It plays an important role in the interaction of the solar wind with the Earth's magnetic field and controls energy input into as well as energetic particle release from the magnetosphere. Detailed in situ studies of the process on the dayside magnetopause reveal its transient and small-scale nature. The auroral acceleration process occurs in the low magnetosphere (β « 1) and accompanies sudden releases of magnetic shear stresses which exist in large-scale magnetospheric-ionospheric current circuits. The process is interpreted as a kind of breaking. The movements of the magnetospheric plasma which lead to a relief of the magnetic tensions occur in thin sheets and are decoupled along the magnetic field lines by parallel electric potential drops. It is this voltage that accelerates the primary auroral particles. The visible arcs are then traces of the magnetic breaking process at several 1000 km altitude.

scholarly journals A persistent quiet-Sun small-scale tornado

2018 ◽  
Vol 618 ◽  
pp. A51 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Tziotziou ◽  
G. Tsiropoula ◽  
I. Kontogiannis ◽  
E. Scullion ◽  
J. G. Doyle
Keyword(s):  
Vortex Flow ◽  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
Spectral Lines ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Large Radius ◽  
Vortex Flows ◽  
Line Profiles ◽  
Quiet Sun ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Wide Range

Context. Vortex flows have been extensively observed over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales in different spectral lines, and thus layers of the solar atmosphere, and have been widely found in numerical simulations. However, signatures of vortex flows have only recently been reported in the wings of the Hα, but never so far in the Hα line centre. Aims. We investigate the appearance, characteristics, substructure, and dynamics of a 1.7 h persistent vortex flow observed from the ground and from space in a quiet-Sun region in several lines/channels covering all atmospheric layers from the photosphere up to the low corona. Methods. We use high spatial and temporal resolution CRisp Imaging SpectroPolarimeter (CRISP) observations in several wavelengths along the Hα and Ca II 8542 Å line profiles, simultaneous Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) observations in several Ultraviolet (UV) and Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) channels and Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) magnetograms to study a persistent vortex flow located at the south solar hemisphere. Doppler velocities were derived from the Hα line profiles. Our analysis involves visual inspection and comparison of all available simultaneous/near-simultaneous observations and detailed investigation of the vortex appearance, characteristics and dynamics using time slices along linear and circular slits. Results. The most important characteristic of the analysed clockwise rotating vortex flow is its long duration (at least 1.7 h) and its large radius (~3″). The vortex flow shows different behaviours in the different wavelengths along the Hα and Ca II 8542 Å profiles reflecting the different formation heights and mechanisms of the two lines. Ground-based observations combined with AIA observations reveal the existence of a funnel-like structure expanding with height, possibly rotating rigidly or quasi-rigidly. However, there is no clear evidence that the flow is magnetically driven as no associated magnetic bright points have been observed in the photosphere. Hα and Ca II 8542 Å observations also reveal significant substructure within the flow, manifested as several individual intermittent chromospheric swirls with typical sizes and durations. They also exhibit a wide range of morphological patterns, appearing as dark absorbing features, associated mostly with mean upwards velocities around 3 km s−1 and up to 8 km s−1, and occupying on average ~25% of the total vortex area. The radial expansion of the spiral flow occurs with a mean velocity of ~3 km s−1, while its dynamics can be related to the dynamics of a clockwise rigidly rotating logarithmic spiral with a swinging motion that is, however, highly perturbed by nearby flows associated with fibril-like structures. A first rough estimate of the rotational period of the vortex falls in the range of 200–300 s. Conclusions. The vortex flow resembles a small-scale tornado in contrast to previously reported short-lived swirls and in analogy to persistent giant tornadoes. It is unclear whether the observed substructure is indeed due to the physical presence of individual intermittent, recurring swirls or a manifestation of wave-related instabilities within a large vortex flow. Moreover, we cannot conclusively demonstrate that the long duration of the observed vortex is the result of a central swirl acting as an “engine” for the vortex flow, although there is significant supporting evidence inferred from its dynamics. It also cannot be excluded that this persistent vortex results from the combined action of several individual smaller swirls further assisted by nearby flows or that this is a new case in the literature of a hydrodynamically driven vortex flow.

V. Heating and Dynamics of Chromosphere and Corona

1988 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 100-102
Author(s):  
G.E. Brueckner
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Acoustic Waves ◽  
Convection Zone ◽  
Flux Tubes ◽  
Magnetic Structures ◽  
Convective Motions ◽  
Field Lines ◽  
The Magnetic Field

The crucial role of magnetic fields in any mechanism to heat the outer solar atmosphere has been generally accepted by all authors. However, there is still no agreement about the detailed function of the magnetic field. Heating mechanisms can be divided up into 4 classes: (I) The magnetic field plays a passive role as a suitable medium for the propagation of Alfvén waves from the convection zone into the corona (Ionson, 1984). (II) In closed magnetic structures the slow random shuffling of field lines by convective motions below the surface induces electric currents in the corona which heat it by Joule dissipation (Heyvaerts and Priest, 1984). (Ill) Emerging flux which is generated in the convection zone reacts with ionized material while magnetic field lines move through the chromosphere, transition zone and corona. Rapid field line annihilation, reconnection and drift currents result in heating and material ejection (Brueckner, 1987; Brueckner et al., 1987; Cook et al., 1987). (IV) Acoustic waves which could heat the corona can be guided by magnetic fields. Temperature distribution, wave motions and shock formation are highly dependent on the geometry of the flux tubes (Ulmschneider and Muchmore, 1986; Ulmschneider, Muchmore and Kalkofen, 1987).

scholarly journals Eruptions from quiet Sun coronal bright points

2018 ◽  
Vol 619 ◽  
pp. A55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chauzhou Mou ◽  
Maria S. Madjarska ◽  
Klaus Galsgaard ◽  
Lidong Xia
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Full Detail ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Average Lifetime ◽  
Solar Dynamics Observatory ◽  
Coronal Emission ◽  
Filamentary Structure ◽  
Quiet Sun ◽  
Coronal Bright Points ◽  
Cool Plasma

Context. Eruptions from coronal bright points (CBPs) are investigated in a two-part study. Aims. The present study aims to explore in full detail the morphological and dynamical evolution of these eruptions in the context of the full lifetime evolution of CBPs. A follow-up study employs data-driven modelling based on a relaxation code to reproduce the time evolution of the magnetic field of these eruptive CBPs, and provide insight into the possible causes for destabilisation and eruption. Methods. Observations of the full lifetime of CBPs in data taken with the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory in four passbands, He II 304 Å, Fe IX/X 171 Å, Fe XII 193 Å, and Fe XVIII 94 Å are investigated for the occurrence of plasma ejections, micro-flaring, mini-filament eruptions, and mini coronal-mass ejections (mini-CMEs). Data from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager are analysed to study the longitudinal photospheric magnetic field evolution associated with the CBPs and related eruptions. Results. First and foremost, our study shows that the majority (76%) of quiet Sun CBPs (31 out of 42 CBPs) produce at least one eruption during their lifetime. From 21 eruptions in 11 CBPs, 18 of them occur, on average, ∼17 h after the CBP formation. The average lifetime of the CBPs in AIA 193 Å is ∼21 h. The time delay in the eruption occurrence coincides in each CBP with the convergence and cancellation phase of the CBP bipole evolution during which the CBPs become smaller until they fully disappear. The remaining three eruptions happen 4–6 h after the CBP formation. In 16 out of the 21 eruptions, the magnetic convergence and cancellation involve the CBP main bipoles, while in three eruptions, one of the BP magnetic fragments and a pre-existing fragment of opposite polarity converge and cancel. In one BP with two eruptions, cancellation was not observed. The CBP eruptions involve in most cases the expulsion of chromospheric material either as an elongated filamentary structure (mini-filament, MF) or a volume of cool material (cool plasma cloud, CPC), together with the CBP or higher overlying hot loops. Coronal waves were identified during three eruptions. A micro-flaring is observed beneath all erupting MFs/CPCs. Whether the destabilised MF causes the micro-flaring or the destabilisation and eruption of the MF is triggered by reconnection beneath the filament remains uncertain. In most eruptions, the cool erupting plasma either partially or fully obscures the micro-flare until the erupting material moves away from the CBP. From 21 eruptions, 11 are found to produce mini-CMEs. The dimming regions associated with the CMEs are found to be occupied by both the “dark” cool plasma and areas of weakened coronal emission caused by the depleted plasma density. Conclusions. The present study demonstrates that the small-scale loop structures in the quiet Sun, the evolution of which is determined by their magnetic footpoint motions and/or ambient field topology, evolve into an eruptive phase that triggers the ejection of cool and hot plasma in the corona.

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