Calculation of magnetic fields in the solar corona during the total solar eclipse on August 1, 2008, in the potential approach

Abstract

A calculation of the magnetic field in the solar corona during the total solar eclipse on August 1, 2008, was performed using the PFSS (potential-field source-surface) model in the classical and radial approximation. A brief description is given of the potential model for calculation of the magnetic field in the solar corona by expanding the field in spherical functions and the procedure for visualization of magnetic field lines. Observations of photospheric magnetic fields as made at the Wilcox Solar Observatory were used to find harmonic coefficients. Maps of coronal magnetic field on the solar wind source surface were constructed, and configurations of magnetic field lines in the corona were drawn. The results obtained are compared with the coronal structure observed during the eclipse.