Coronal Hole Boundaries Research Articles

Formation of Heliospheric Arcs of Slow Solar Wind

Abstract A major challenge in solar and heliospheric physics is understanding the origin and nature of the so-called slow solar wind. The Sun’s atmosphere is divided into magnetically open regions, known as coronal holes, where the plasma streams out freely and fills the solar system, and closed regions, where the plasma is confined to coronal loops. The boundary between these regions extends outward as the heliospheric current sheet (HCS). Measurements of plasma composition strongly imply that much of the slow wind consists of plasma from the closed corona that escapes onto open field lines, presumably by field-line opening or by interchange reconnection. Both of these processes are expected to release closed-field plasma into the solar wind within and immediately adjacent to the HCS. Mysteriously, however, slow wind with closed-field plasma composition is often observed in situ far from the HCS. We use high-resolution, three-dimensional, magnetohydrodynamic simulations to calculate the dynamics of a coronal hole with a geometry that includes a narrow corridor flanked by closed field and is driven by supergranule-like flows at the coronal-hole boundary. These dynamics produce giant arcs of closed-field plasma that originate at the open-closed boundary in the corona, but extend far from the HCS and span tens of degrees in latitude and longitude at Earth. We conclude that such structures can account for the long-puzzling slow-wind observations.

Dynamics of Coronal Hole Boundaries

Abstract Remote and in situ observations strongly imply that the slow solar wind consists of plasma from the hot, closed-field corona that is released onto open magnetic field lines. The Separatrix Web theory for the slow wind proposes that photospheric motions at the scale of supergranules are responsible for generating dynamics at coronal-hole boundaries, which result in the closed plasma release. We use three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations to determine the effect of photospheric flows on the open and closed magnetic flux of a model corona with a dipole magnetic field and an isothermal solar wind. A rotational surface motion is used to approximate photospheric supergranular driving and is applied at the boundary between the coronal hole and helmet streamer. The resulting dynamics consist primarily of prolific and efficient interchange reconnection between open and closed flux. The magnetic flux near the coronal-hole boundary experiences multiple interchange events, with some flux interchanging over 50 times in one day. Additionally, we find that the interchange reconnection occurs all along the coronal-hole boundary and even produces a lasting change in magnetic-field connectivity in regions that were not driven by the applied motions. Our results show that these dynamics should be ubiquitous in the Sun and heliosphere. We discuss the implications of our simulations for understanding the observed properties of the slow solar wind, with particular focus on the global-scale consequences of interchange reconnection.

THE OXYGEN CHARGE-STATE RATIO AS AN INDICATOR OF FOOTPOINT FIELD STRENGTH IN THE SOURCE REGIONS OF THE SOLAR WIND

ABSTRACT Because of its distinctive compositional properties and high variability, the slow solar wind is widely believed to originate from coronal streamers, unlike high-speed wind, which emanates from coronal holes. Based on measurements from the Advanced Composition Explorer, it has been proposed that an oxygen charge-state ratio O7+/O6+ of 0.145 is the threshold that separates streamer from coronal hole wind. During the 2007–2009 sunspot minimum, however, the median value of O7+/O6+ fell to only 0.06, implying that almost all of the near-Earth wind came from coronal holes, despite the fact that the streamer belt lay much closer to the ecliptic plane at that time than at solar maximum. Employing extrapolations of photospheric field maps to derive the footpoint field strengths B 0 of the near-Earth wind, we find that the median value of B 0 decreased to only 2.6 G during 2007–2009, from a value of 21 G during 1998–2004. The factor of ∼2 decrease in the median value of O7+/O6+ thus reflects the factor of ∼8 decrease in the footpoint field strength. Variations in O7+/O6+ are strongly anticorrelated with the wind speed on timescales of days, but not on long timescales, which are dominated by changes in B 0. We suggest that the charge-state ratio is determined by the amount of energy deposited near the coronal base, which in turn depends on B 0 and the local flux-tube expansion rate. High values of O7+/O6+ are associated with rapidly diverging flux tubes rooted just inside the boundaries of coronal holes with strong footpoint fields.

Beyond sunspots: Studies using the McIntosh Archive of global solar magnetic field patterns

AbstractIn 1964 (Solar Cycle 20; SC 20), Patrick McIntosh began creating hand-drawn synoptic maps of solar magnetic features, based on Hα images. These synoptic maps were unique in that they traced magnetic polarity inversion lines, and connected widely separated filaments, fibril patterns, and plage corridors to reveal the large-scale organization of the solar magnetic field. Coronal hole boundaries were later added to the maps, which were produced, more or less continuously, into 2009 (i.e., the start of SC 24). The result was a record of ~45 years (~570 Carrington rotations), or nearly four complete solar cycles of synoptic maps. We are currently scanning, digitizing and archiving these maps, with the final, searchable versions publicly available at NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information. In this paper we present preliminary scientific studies using the archived maps from SC 23. We show the global evolution of closed magnetic structures (e.g., sunspots, plage, and filaments) in relation to open magnetic structures (e.g., coronal holes), and examine how both relate to the shifting patterns of large-scale positive and negative polarity regions.

Interaction of high-speed and transient fluxes of solar wind at the maximum of solar cycle 24

The interaction of the interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME) and the high-speed solar wind flux (HSSWF) associated with the coronal hole (CH) is considered. By the examples of two events at the maximum of solar cycle 24 from June 4 to June 16 and from June 30 to July 10, 2012 it is shown that the temperature-dependent parameters of the SW ionic composition appear closer to the values in the HSSWF than in the ICME due to mixing of fluxes in the corona when the ICME source is near the CH boundary.

Relationship of decametric-hectometric type II radio burst, coronal mass ejections and solar flare observed during 1997–2014

In the present study we have investigated 426 DH Type II radio burst and associated CMEs events observed during the time period of 1997–2014. The starting frequency of most of associated DH type-II bursts (85%) lies in the range of 1–14MHz (364 out of 426) with mean value of starting frequency is ∼11MHz. The study of starting frequency (1–16MHz) of DH type II bursts and heliocentric distance in solar radii indicate that DH type II radio bursts originate from 2.2–4.5 (RS) heliocentric distance in solar radii. We also found that the ∼ 48% DH Type II radio bursts associated CMEs are located between ±40° of solar central disc and we also found that duration of DH type II radio bursts located at solar disc center are more than the duration of DH type II radio bursts located at solar limb. It is found that mean value for linear and initial speed of DH Type II associated CMEs are 1157km/s and 1200km/s, respectively. The CMEs speed are not correlated with duration of DH Type II radio bursts indicate that the durations of DH Type II radio bursts does not depend on speed of CMEs. The study also show that 426 DH type II radio bursts associated CMEs/flares occurred when there is coronal holes(CH) in nearby area and the mean distance between DH type II burst associated CMEs/ flares and boundary of coronal hole (CH) is 26°. The study also shows that there is no relation between drift velocity of DH type II radio bursts and speed of CMEs. The study also indicate that about 45% flares those associated DH Type II radio bursts have duration about 60 minutes and long duration DH Type II radio bursts are associated with X-class flares. We have also discussed that the results obtained in the present investigation in view of latest heliophysics interpretations.

Statistical Study of Network Jets Observed in the Solar Transition Region: a Comparison Between Coronal Holes and Quiet-Sun Regions

Recent IRIS observations have revealed a prevalence of intermittent small-scale jets with apparent speeds of 80 - 250 km s$^{-1}$, emanating from small-scale bright regions inside network boundaries of coronal holes. We find that these network jets appear not only in coronal holes but also in quiet-sun regions. Using IRIS 1330A (C II) slit-jaw images, we extract several parameters of these network jets, e.g. apparent speed, length, lifetime and increase in foot-point brightness. Using several observations, we find that some properties of the jets are very similar but others are obviously different between the quiet sun and coronal holes. For example, our study shows that the coronal-hole jets appear to be faster and longer than those in the quiet sun. This can be directly attributed to a difference in the magnetic configuration of the two regions with open magnetic field lines rooted in coronal holes and magnetic loops often present in quiet sun. We have also detected compact bright loops, likely transition region loops, mostly in quiet sun. These small loop-like regions are generally devoid of network jets. In spite of different magnetic structures in the coronal hole and quiet sun in the transition region, there appears to be no substantial difference for the increase in foot-point brightness of the jets, which suggests that the generation mechanism of these network jets is likely the same in both regions.

A tiny event producing an interplanetary type III burst

We investigate the conditions under which small scale energy release events in the low corona gave rise to strong interplanetary (IP) type III bursts. We analyze observations of three tiny events, detected by the Nan\c cay Radio Heliograph (NRH), two of which produced IP type IIIs. We took advantage of the NRH positioning information and of the high cadence of AIA/SDO data to identify the associated EUV emissions. We measured positions and time profiles of the metric and EUV sources. We found that the EUV events that produced IP type IIIs were located near a coronal hole boundary, while the one that did not was located in a closed magnetic field region. In all three cases tiny flaring loops were involved, without any associated mass eruption. In the best observed case the radio emission at the highest frequency (435 MHz) was displaced by ~55" with respect to the small flaring loop. The metric type III emission shows a complex structure in space and in time, indicative of multiple electron beams, despite the low intensity of the events. From the combined analysis of dynamic spectra and NRH images we derived the electron beam velocity as well as the height, ambient plasma temperature and density at the level of formation of the 160 MHz emission. From the analysis of the differential emission measure derived from the AIA images we found that the first evidence of energy release was at the footpoints and this was followed by the development of flaring loops and subsequent cooling. We conclude that even small energy release events can accelerate enough electrons to give rise to powerful IP type III bursts. The proximity of the electron acceleration site to open magnetic field lines facilitates the escape of the electrons into the interplanetary space. The offset between the site of energy release and the metric type III location warrants further investigation.

Influence of Non-Potential Coronal Magnetic Topology on Solar-Wind Models

By comparing a magneto-frictional model of the low coronal magnetic field to a potential-field source-surface model, we investigate the possible impact of non-potential magnetic structure on empirical solar-wind models. These empirical models (such as Wang-Sheeley-Arge) estimate the distribution of solar-wind speed solely from the magnetic-field structure in the low corona. Our models are computed in a domain between the solar surface and 2.5 solar radii, and are extended to 0.1 AU using a Schatten current-sheet model. The non-potential field has a more complex magnetic skeleton and quasi-separatrix structures than the potential field, leading to different sub-structure in the solar-wind speed proxies. It contains twisted magnetic structures that can perturb the separatrix surfaces traced down from the base of the heliospheric current sheet. A significant difference between the models is the greater amount of open magnetic flux in the non-potential model. Using existing empirical formulae this leads to higher predicted wind speeds for two reasons: partly because magnetic flux tubes expand less rapidly with height, but more importantly because more open field lines are further from coronal-hole boundaries.

APPEARANCES AND STATISTICS OF CORONAL CAVITIES DURING THE ASCENDING PHASE OF SOLAR CYCLE 24

We present a survey of 429 coronal prominence cavities found between 2010 May and 2015 February using the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)/Atmospheric Imaging Assembly limb synoptic maps. We examined correlations between each cavity's height, width, and length. Our findings showed that around 38% of the cavities were prolate, 27% oblate, and 35% circular in shape. The lengths of the cavities ranged from 0.06 to 2.9 . When a cavity is longer than 1.5 , it has a narrower height range (0.1–0.3 ), whereas when the cavity was shorter than 1.5 , it had a wider height range (0.07–0.5 ). We find that the overall three-dimensional topology of the long, stable cavities can be characterized as a long tube with an elliptical cross section. We also noted that the circular and oblate cavities are longer in length than the prolate cavities. We also studied the physical mechanisms behind the cavity drift toward the pole and found it to be tied to the meridional flow. Finally, by observing the evolution of the cavity regions using SDO/Helioseismic Magnetic Imager (HMI) surface magnetic field observations, we found that the cavities formed a belt near the polar coronal hole boundary; we call this the cavity belt. Our results showed that the cavity belt migrated toward higher latitude over time and the cavity belt disappeared after the polar magnetic field reversal. This result shows that cavity evolution provides new insight into the solar cycle.

CORONAL AND CHROMOSPHERIC SIGNATURES OF LARGE-SCALE DISTURBANCES ASSOCIATED WITH A MAJOR SOLAR ERUPTION

We present both coronal and chromospheric observations of large-scale disturbances associated with a major solar eruption on 2005 September 7. In GOES/SXI, arclike coronal brightenings are recorded propagating in the southern hemisphere. The SXI front shows an initially constant speed of 730 km s$^{-1}$ and decelerates later on, and its center is near the central position angle of the associated coronal mass ejection (CME) but away from flare site. Chromospheric signatures of the disturbances are observed in both MLSO/PICS H$\alpha$ and MLSO/CHIP He I 10830 {\AA}, and can be divided into two parts. The southern signatures occur in regions where the SXI front sweeps over, with the H$\alpha$ bright front coincident with the SXI front while the He I dark front lagging the SXI front but showing a similar kinematics. Ahead of the path of the southern signatures, oscillations of a filament are observed. The northern signatures occur near the equator, with the H$\alpha$ and He I fronts coincident with each other. They first propagate westward, and then deflect to the north at the boundary of an equatorial coronal hole (CH). Based on these observational facts, we suggest that the global disturbances are associated with the CME lift-off, and show a hybrid nature: a mainly non-wave CME flank nature for the SXI signatures and the corresponding southern chromospheric signatures, and a shocked fast-mode coronal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) wave nature for the northern chromospheric signatures.

DYNAMICAL FIELD LINE CONNECTIVITY IN MAGNETIC TURBULENCE

Point-to-point magnetic connectivity has a stochastic character whenever magnetic fluctuations cause a field line random walk, but this can also change due to dynamical activity. Comparing the instantaneous magnetic connectivity from the same point at two different times, we provide a nonperturbative analytic theory for the ensemble average perpendicular displacement of the magnetic field line, given the power spectrum of magnetic fluctuations. For simplicity, the theory is developed in the context of transverse turbulence, and is numerically evaluated for the noisy reduced MHD model. Our formalism accounts for the dynamical decorrelation of magnetic fluctuations due to wave propagation, local nonlinear distortion, random sweeping, and convection by a bulk wind flow relative to the observer. The diffusion coefficient DX of the time-differenced displacement becomes twice the usual field line diffusion coefficient Dx at large time displacement t or large distance z along the mean field (corresponding to a pair of uncorrelated random walks), though for a low Kubo number (in the quasilinear regime) it can oscillate at intermediate values of t and z. At high Kubo number the dynamical decorrelation decays mainly from the nonlinear term and DX tends monotonically toward 2Dx with increasing t and z. The formalism and results presented here are relevant to a variety of astrophysical processes, such as electron transport and heating patterns in coronal loops and the solar transition region, changing magnetic connection to particle sources near the Sun or at a planetary bow shock, and thickening of coronal hole boundaries.

A STEADY-STATE PICTURE OF SOLAR WIND ACCELERATION AND CHARGE STATE COMPOSITION DERIVED FROM A GLOBAL WAVE-DRIVEN MHD MODEL

The higher charge states found in slow ($<$400km s$^{-1}$) solar wind streams compared to fast streams have supported the hypothesis that the slow wind originates in closed coronal loops, and released intermittently through reconnection. Here we examine whether a highly ionized slow wind can also form along steady and open magnetic field lines. We model the steady-state solar atmosphere using AWSoM, a global magnetohydrodynamic model driven by Alfv{\'e}n waves, and apply an ionization code to calculate the charge state evolution along modeled open field lines. This constitutes the first charge states calculation covering all latitudes in a realistic magnetic field. The ratios $O^{+7}/O^{+6}$ and $C^{+6}/C^{+5}$ are compared to in-situ Ulysses observations, and are found to be higher in the slow wind, as observed; however, they are under-predicted in both wind types. The modeled ion fractions of S, Si, and Fe are used to calculate line-of-sight intensities, which are compared to EIS observations above a coronal hole. The agreement is partial, and suggests that all ionization rates are under-predicted. Assuming the presence of suprathermal electrons improved the agreement with both EIS and Ulysses observations; importantly, the trend of higher ionization in the slow wind was maintained. The results suggest there can be a sub-class of slow wind that is steady and highly ionized. Further analysis shows it originates from coronal hole boundaries (CHB), where the modeled electron density and temperature are higher than inside the hole, leading to faster ionization. This property of CHBs is global, and observationally supported by EUV tomography.

ON THE ORIGIN OF HIGHLY ALFVÉNIC SLOW SOLAR WIND

Alfvénic fluctuations are a common feature in the solar wind and are found especially in the trailing edges of fast wind streams. The slow wind usually has a lower degree of Alfvénicity, being more strongly intermixed with structures of non-Alfvénic nature. In the present paper we show the first evidence in the interplanetary space of two different kinds of slow solar wind: one coming from coronal streamers or active regions and characterized by non-Alfvénic structures and the other one being highly Alfvénic and originating from the boundary of coronal holes. The Alfvénic character of fluctuations, either outward or inward, can be studied by means of the normalized cross-helicity, , which is an indicator of the alignment. The evolution of toward lower values with increasing radial distance is interpreted both as a decrease of the presence of the outward modes and as a continuous production of inward modes within those regions such as stream shears where some plasma instability is active. On the other hand, the decrease of is often related also to magnetic field and/or density enhancements which specifically act on the destruction of the alignment. In the present analysis we study the role of compressibility presenting both case studies and a statistical analysis over different phases of solar cycle 23. Our findings indicate that the presence of regions of magnetic field compression generally play a major role in the depletion of and thus in the destruction of the alignment.

INTERCHANGE RECONNECTION FORCED BY THE FILAMENT ERUPTION INSIDE A PSEUDO-STREAMER

We present rare observational signatures of interchange reconnection (IR) forced by the filament eruption inside a pseudo-streamer (PS). The PS was centered above a positive-polarity region bounded by two negative-polarity coronal holes (CHs), and thus its base contained two polarity inversion lines and a pair of loop arcades where two filaments were harbored. In white-light coronagraph data from two different views, it showed up as a fan-shaped structure consisting of fine rays and a coronal streamer. Followed by a two-ribbon flare and a coronal mass ejection, one of the filaments and its overlying arcade erupted away from the nearby CH and flew over the other arcade to interact with the PS's remote CH. As a result, distinct ribbon-like remote brightenings formed along the remote CH boundary and were. connected to the positive-polarity flare ribbon by a loop system, but the nearby open-field region largely remained. unchanged. except that compact brightenings and a following small coronal dimming appeared close to one end of the erupted filament. In combination with the coronal magnetic configuration that derived from the potential-field source-surface model, these observations can be interpreted as follows: the erupting field was first deflected and guided by the nearby CH's open field. and then reconnected with the oppositely oriented open field of the remote CH, during which both the closed field bridging the erupted filament and the remoter CH's open field were transported in the opposite direction. The observations thus supported the idea that PSs provide favorable environments for IR to take place and remote brightenings along their CH boundaries represent a credible IR signature on the solar surface.

ON THE ORIGIN OF MID-LATITUDE FAST WIND: CHALLENGING THE TWO-STATE SOLAR WIND PARADIGM

The bimodal paradigm of solar wind describes a slow solar wind situated near the heliospheric current sheet while a fast wind overexpands from the poles to fill in the remainder of the heliosphere. In this paper, we challenge this paradigm and focus here on mid-latitude wind using three fast-latitude passes completed by the Ulysses spacecraft. Based on its composition and dynamic properties, we discuss how this wind differs from both the fast, polar coronal hole wind and the low latitude, streamer-associated slow solar wind. Using a detailed analysis of ionic and elemental abundances, as well as solar wind dynamic properties, we conclude that there is a third quasi-stationary solar wind state, called the boundary wind. This boundary wind is characterized by a charge-state distribution that is similar to slow wind, but with an elemental composition that is coronal hole like. Based on these data, we present arguments for the location of the origin of this wind. We conclude that the boundary wind is a subset of the fast wind emanating from regions close to the boundaries of coronal holes and is accelerated by a similar process.

On the role played by magnetic expansion factor in the prediction of solar wind speed

Over the last two decades, the Wang-Sheeley-Arge (WSA) model has evolved significantly. Beginning as a simple observed correlation between the expansion factor of coronal magnetic field lines and the measured speed of the solar wind at 1 AU (the Wang-Sheeley (WS) model), the WSA model now drives NOAA's first operational space weather model, providing real-time predictions of solar wind parameters in the vicinity of Earth. Here we demonstrate that the WSA model has evolved so much that the role played by the expansion factor term is now largely minimal, being supplanted by the distance from the coronal hole boundary (DCHB). We illustrate why and to what extent the three models (WS, DCHB, and WSA) differ. Under some conditions, all approaches are able to reproduce the grossest features of the observed quiet time solar wind. However, we show that, in general, the DCHB- and WSA-driven models tend to produce better estimates of solar parameters at 1 AU than the WS model, particularly when pseudostreamers are present. Additionally, we highlight that these empirical models are sensitive to the type and implementation of the magnetic field model used: In particular, the WS model can only reproduce in situ measurements when coupled with the potential field source surface model. While this clarification is important both in its own right and from an operational/predictive standpoint, because of the underlying physical ideas upon which the WS and DCHB models rest, these results provide support, albeit tentatively, for boundary layer theories for the origin of the slow solar wind.

Coronal holes, large-scale magnetic field, and activity complexes in solar cycle 23

A correlation among coronal holes (CH), a large-scale magnetic field (LMF), and activity complexes (AC) is studied in this work for 1997–2007 with the use of a coronal hole series obtained from observations at the Kitt Peak Observatory in the HeI 10830 A line in 1975–2003 and SOHO/EIT-195 A in 1996–2012 (Tlatov et al., 2014), synoptic Hα charts from Kislovodsk Mountain Astonomical Station, and the catalog of AC cores (Yazev, 2012). From the imposition of CH boundaries on Hα charts, which characterize the positions of neutral lines of the radial components of a large-scale solar magnetic field, it turns out that 70% of CH are located in unipolar regions of their sign during the above period, 10% are in the region of an opposite sign, and 20% are mainly very large CH, which are often crossed by the neutral lines of several unipolar regions. Data on mutual arrangement of CH and AC cores were obtained. It was shown that only some activity comples cores have genetic relationships with CH.

A coronal hole jet observed with Hinode and the Solar Dynamics Observatory

Abstract A small blowout jet was observed at the boundary of the south polar coronal hole on 2011 February 8 at around 21:00 UT. Images from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) revealed an expanding loop rising from one footpoint of a compact, bipolar bright point. Magnetograms from the Helioseismic Magnetic Imager (HMI) on board SDO showed that the jet was triggered by the cancelation of a parasitic positive polarity feature near the negative pole of the bright point. The jet emission was present for 25 min and it extended 30 Mm from the bright point. Spectra from the Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer on board Hinode yielded a temperature and density of 1.6 MK and 0.9–1.7 × 108 cm−3 for the ejected plasma. Line-of-sight velocities reached up to 250 km s−1 and were found to increase with height, suggesting plasma acceleration within the body of the jet. Evidence was found for twisting motions within the jet based on variations of the line-of-sight velocities across the jet width. The derived angular speed was in the range (9–12) × 10−3 rad s−1, consistent with previous measurements from jets. The density of the bright point was 7.6 × 108 cm−3, and the peak of the bright point's emission measure occurred at 1.3 MK, with no plasma above 3 MK.

The Role of Interchange Reconnection in Facilitating a Filament Eruption

We study the interaction between an erupting solar filament and a nearby coronal hole, based on multi-viewpoint observations from the Solar Dynamics Observatory and STEREO. During the early evolution of the filament eruption, it exhibits a clockwise rotation that brings its easternmost leg in contact with the oppositely aligned field at the coronal hole boundary. The interaction between the two magnetic-field systems is manifested as the development of a narrow contact layer in which we see enhanced EUV brightening and bi-directional flows, suggesting that the contact layer is a region of strong and ongoing magnetic reconnection. The coronal mass ejection (CME) resulting from this eruption is highly asymmetric, with its southern portion opening up to the upper corona, while the northern portion remains closed and connected to the Sun. We suggest that the erupting flux rope that made up the filament reconnected with both the open and closed fields at the coronal hole boundary via interchange reconnection and closed-field disconnection, respectively, which led to the observed CME configuration.