Evolution Of Photospheric Magnetic Field Research Articles

The origin of interplanetary switchbacks in reconnection at chromospheric network boundaries

There is renewed interest in heliospheric physics following the recent exploration of the pristine solar wind by the Parker Solar Probe. Magnetic switchback structures are frequently observed in the inner heliosphere, but there are open questions about their origin. Many researchers are investigating the statistical properties of switchbacks and their relationships with wave modes, stream types and solar activity, but the sources of switchbacks remain elusive. Here we report that interplanetary switchbacks originate from magnetic reconnection on the Sun that occurs at chromospheric network boundaries and launch solar jet flows. We link in situ interplanetary measurements and remote-sensing solar observations to establish a connection between interplanetary switchbacks and their solar source region, featuring solar jets, chromospheric network boundaries and photospheric magnetic field evolution. Our findings suggest that joint observations of switchbacks and solar jets provide a better estimate of the contribution of magnetic reconnection to coronal heating and solar wind acceleration.

The Evolution of Photospheric Magnetic Fields at the Footpoints of Reconnected Structures in the Solar Atmosphere

Magnetic reconnection is believed to play an important role in the release and conversion of energy among magnetized plasma systems. So far, we have been unable to understand under what conditions magnetic reconnection can take place. Based on observations from the New Vacuum Solar Telescope and the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), we study 16 magnetic reconnection events, and each event has a clear X-type configuration consisting of two sets of atmospheric structures. We focus on 38 footpoints that are relevant to these structures and can be clearly determined. By using SDO/Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager line-of-sight magnetograms, we track the field evolution of these footpoints. Prior to the occurrence of magnetic reconnection, the associated fields at the footpoints underwent convergence and shear motions, and thus became enhanced and complex. During the converging period, the rates of increase of the mean magnetic flux densities (MFDs) at these footpoints are 0.03–0.25 hr−1. While the unsigned mean MFDs are 70–300 G, magnetic reconnection in the solar atmosphere takes place. Subsequently, the photospheric fields of these footpoints diffuse and weaken, with rates of decrease of the MFDs from 0.03 to 0.18 hr−1. These results suggest that, due to the photospheric dynamical evolution at the footpoints, the footpoint MFDs increase from a small value to a large one, and the corresponding atmospheric magnetic fields become complicated and nonpotential; then reconnection happens and it releases the accumulated magnetic field energy. Our study supports the conjecture that magnetic reconnection releases free magnetic energy stored in the nonpotential fields.

Dynamics of Photospheric Magnetic Flux Distribution and Variations in Solar RVs: A Study Using HARPS-N Solar and SDO Observations

The distribution and evolution of photospheric magnetic fields in sunspots, plages, and network, and variations in their relative flux content, play key roles in radial velocity (RV) fluctuations observed in Sun-as-a-star spectra. Differentiating and disentangling such magnetic contributions to RVs help in building models to account for stellar activity signals in high-precision RV exoplanet searches. In this work, as earlier authors, we employ high-resolution images of the solar magnetic field and continuum intensities from SDO/HMI to understand the activity contributions to RVs from HARPS-N solar observations. Using well-observed physical relationships between strengths and fluxes of photospheric magnetic fields, we show that the strong fields (spots, plages, and network) and the weak inter-network fields leave distinguishing features in their contributions to the RV variability. We also find that the fill factors and average unsigned magnetic fluxes of different features correlate differently with the RVs and hence warrant care in employing either of them as a proxy for RV variations. In addition, we examine disk-averaged UV intensities at 1600 and 1700 Å wavelength bands imaged by SDO/AIA and their performances as proxies for variations in different magnetic features. We find that the UV intensities provide a better measure of contributions of plage fields to RVs than the Ca ii H-K emission indices, especially during high activity levels when the latter tend to saturate.

Polar Photospheric Magnetic Field Evolution and Global Flux Transport

Polar Photospheric Magnetic Field Evolution and Global Flux Transport

Predicting the evolution of photospheric magnetic field in solar active regions using deep learning

The continuous observation of the magnetic field by the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)/Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) produces numerous image sequences in time and space. These sequences provide data support for predicting the evolution of photospheric magnetic field. Based on the spatiotemporal long short-term memory (LSTM) network, we use the preprocessed data of photospheric magnetic field in active regions to build a prediction model for magnetic field evolution. Because of the elaborate learning and memory mechanism, the trained model can characterize the inherent relationships contained in spatiotemporal features. The testing results of the prediction model indicate that (1) the prediction pattern learned by the model can be applied to predict the evolution of new magnetic field in the next 6 hours that have not been trained, and predicted results are roughly consistent with real observed magnetic field evolution in terms of large-scale structure and movement speed; (2) the performance of the model is related to the prediction time; the shorter the prediction time, the higher the accuracy of the predicted results; (3) the performance of the model is stable not only for active regions in the north and south but also for data in positive and negative regions. Detailed experimental results and discussions on magnetic flux emergence and magnetic neutral lines finally show that the proposed model could effectively predict the large-scale and short-term evolution of the photospheric magnetic field in active regions. Moreover, our study may provide a reference for the spatiotemporal prediction of other solar activities.

Lorentz Force Evolution Reveals the Energy Build-up Processes during Recurrent Eruptive Solar Flares

Abstract The energy release and build-up processes in the solar corona have significant implications in particular for the case of large recurrent flares, which pose challenging questions about the conditions that lead to the episodic energy release processes. It is not yet clear whether these events occur due to the continuous supply of free magnetic energy to the solar corona or because not all of the available free magnetic energy is released during a single major flaring event. In order to address this question, we report on the evolution of photospheric magnetic field and the associated net Lorentz force changes in ARs 11261 and 11283, each of which gave rise to recurrent eruptive M- and X-class flares. Our study reveals that after the abrupt downward changes during each flare, the net Lorentz force increases by (2–5) × 1022 dyne in between the successive flares. This distinct rebuild-up of net Lorentz forces is the first observational evidence found in the evolution of any nonpotential parameter of solar active regions (ARs), which suggests that new energy was supplied to the ARs in order to produce the recurrent large flares. The rebuild-up of magnetic free energy of the ARs is further confirmed by the observations of continuous shearing motion of moving magnetic features of opposite polarities near the polarity inversion line. The evolutionary pattern of the net Lorentz force changes reported in this study has significant implications, in particular, for the forecasting of recurrent large eruptive flares from the same AR and hence the chances of interaction between the associated CMEs.

A Statistical Study of the Magnetic Imprints of X-class Solar Flares

Abstract Magnetic imprints, the rapid and irreversible evolution of photospheric magnetic fields as feedback from flares in the corona, have been confirmed by many previous studies. These studies showed that the horizontal field will permanently increase at the polarity inversion line (PIL) after eruptions, indicating that a more horizontal geometry of the photospheric magnetic field is produced. In this study, we analyze 20 X-class flares since the launch of the Solar Dynamics Observatory in 15 active regions with heliographic angles no greater than 45°. We observe clear magnetic imprints in 16 flares, whereas 4 flares are exceptional. The imprint regions of the horizontal field are located not only at the PIL but also at sunspot penumbra with strong vertical fields. Making use of the observed mass and speed of the corresponding coronal mass ejections (CMEs), we find that the CMEs with larger momenta are associated with stronger magnetic imprints. Furthermore, a linear relationship, with a Kendall’s Tau-b coefficient 0.54, between the CME momentum and the change of Lorentz force, is revealed. Based on that, we quantify the back reaction time to be ∼70 s, with a 90% confidence interval from about 50 to 90 s.

Solar Quiet Region Jet by Eruption of Minifilament and Associated Change in Magnetic Flux

We observe a coronal jet around 22 : 08 UT on March 23, 2017, in a quiet region towards the north-east of the solar disk. A minifilament eruption leads to this jet. We analyze dynamics of the minifilament from its formation until its eruption. We observe that the minifilament starts forming around 15 : 50 UT. Then at a later time, it disappears but again appears and finally erupts as a blow-out jet around 22 : 08 UT. We study the evolution of photospheric magnetic field beneath the minifilament. Initially, we observe subsequent increase and decrease of positive magnetic flux. Prior to the initiation of the eruption, positive magnetic flux shows a continuous decrease until the minifilament disappears. The positive magnetic flux increases and decreases due to new positive flux emergence and cancellation of positive magnetic flux with negative magnetic flux, respectively.

Eruptions from quiet Sun coronal bright points

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.

A study of a long duration B9 flare-CME event and associated shock

We present and discuss here the observations of a small long duration GOES B-class flare associated with a quiescent filament eruption, a global EUV wave and a CME on 2011 May 11. The event was well observed by the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), GONG Hα, STEREO and Culgoora spectrograph. As the filament erupted, ahead of the filament we observed the propagation of EIT wave fronts, as well as two flare ribbons on both sides of the polarity inversion line (PIL) on the solar surface. The observations show the co-existence of two types of EUV waves, i.e., a fast and a slow one. A type II radio burst with up to the third harmonic component was also associated with this event. The evolution of photospheric magnetic field showed flux emergence and cancellation at the filament site before its eruption.

CHROMOSPHERIC RAPID BLUESHIFTED EXCURSIONS OBSERVED WITH IBIS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH PHOTOSPHERIC MAGNETIC FIELD EVOLUTION

Chromospheric rapid blueshifted excursions (RBEs) are suggested to be the disk counterparts of type II spicules at the limb and believed to contribute to the coronal heating process. Previous identification of RBEs was mainly based on feature detection using Dopplergrams. In this paper, we study RBEs on 2011 October 21 in a very quiet region at the disk center, which were observed with the high-cadence imaging spectroscopy of the Ca II 8542 A line from the Interferometric Bidimensional Spectrometer (IBIS). By using an automatic spectral analysis algorithm, a total of 98 RBEs are identified during a 11 minute period. Most of these RBEs have either a round or elongated shape, with an average area of 1.2 arcsec^2. The detailed temporal evolution of spectra from IBIS makes possible a quantitative determination of the velocity (~16 km/s) and acceleration (~400 m/s^2) of Ca II 8542 RBEs, and reveal an additional deceleration (~-160 m/s^2) phase that usually follows the initial acceleration. In addition, we also investigate the association of RBEs with the concomitant photospheric magnetic field evolution, using coordinated high-resolution and high-sensitivity magnetograms made by Hinode. Clear examples are found where RBEs appear to be associated with the preceding magnetic flux emergence and/or the subsequent flux cancellation. However, a further analysis with the aid of the Southwest Automatic Magnetic Identification Suite does not yield a significant statistical association between these RBEs and magnetic field evolution. We discuss the implications of our results in the context of understanding the driving mechanism of RBEs.

Structure and evolution of magnetic fields associated with solar eruptions

This paper reviews the studies of solar photospheric magnetic field evolution in active regions and its relationship to solar flares. It is divided into two topics, the magnetic structure and evolution leading to solar eruptions and rapid changes in the photospheric magnetic field associated with eruptions. For the first topic, we describe the magnetic complexity, new flux emergence, flux cancelation, shear motions, sunspot rotation and magnetic helicity injection, which may all contribute to the storage and buildup of energy that trigger solar eruptions. For the second topic, we concentrate on the observations of rapid and irreversible changes of the photospheric magnetic field associated with flares, and the implication on the restructuring of the three-dimensional magnetic field. In particular, we emphasize the recent advances in observations of the photospheric magnetic field, as state-of-the-art observing facilities (such as Hinode and Solar Dynamics Observatory) have become available. The linkages between observations, theories and future prospectives in this research area are also discussed.

STUDY OF MAGNETIC HELICITY INJECTION IN THE ACTIVE REGION NOAA 9236 PRODUCING MULTIPLE FLARE-ASSOCIATED CORONAL MASS EJECTION EVENTS

To better understand a preferred magnetic field configuration and its evolution during Coronal Mass Ejection events, we investigated the spatial and temporal evolution of photospheric magnetic fields in the active region NOAA 9236 that produced eight flare-associated CMEs during the time period of 2000 November 23-26. The time variations of the total magnetic helicity injection rate and the total unsigned magnetic flux are determined and examined not only in the entire active region but also in some local regions such as the main sunspots and the CME-associated flaring regions using SOHO/MDI magnetogram data. As a result, we found that: (1) in the sunspots, a large amount of postive (right-handed) magnetic helicity was injected during most of the examined time period, (2) in the flare region, there was a continuous injection of negative (left-handed) magnetic helicity during the entire period, accompanied by a large increase of the unsigned magnetic flux, and (3) the flaring regions were mainly composed of emerging bipoles of magnetic fragments in which magnetic field lines have substantially favorable conditions for making reconnection with large-scale, overlying, and oppositely directed magnetic field lines connecting the main sunspots. These observational findings can also be well explained by some MHD numerical simulations for CME initiation (e.g., reconnection-favored emerging flux models). We therefore conclude that reconnection-favored magnetic fields in the flaring emerging flux regions play a crucial role in producing the multiple flare-associated CMEs in NOAA 9236.

Causes of the divergence of magnetic tube photospheric bases in AR 10930

It is traditionally considered that the bases of emerging magnetic tubes, which are observed as magnetic elements (tube “sections”) moving away from one another at the photospheric level, diverge completely because tubes are loop-shaped below the photosphere. It is assumed that there may be more causes. The possible Ampere force contribution to the divergence of the photospheric bases of a coronal magnetic rope (the magnetic tube system) with a current has been considered based on the evolution of photospheric magnetic fields in active region 10930 during December 8–13, 2006.

Evolution of Active and Polar Photospheric Magnetic Fields During the Rise of Cycle 24 Compared to Previous Cycles

The evolution of the photospheric magnetic field during the declining phase and minimum of Cycle 23 and the recent rise of Cycle 24 are compared with the behavior during previous cycles. We used longitudinal full-disk magnetograms from the NSO's three magnetographs at Kitt Peak, the Synoptic Optical Long-term Investigations of the Sun (SOLIS) Vector Spectro-Magnetograph (VSM), the Spectromagnetograph and the 512-Channel Magnetograph instruments, and longitudinal full-disk magnetograms from the Mt. Wilson 150-foot tower. We analyzed 37 years of observations from these two observatories that have been observing daily, weather permitting, since 1974, offering an opportunity to study the evolving relationship between the active region and polar fields in some detail over several solar cycles. It is found that the annual averages of a proxy for the active region poloidal magnetic field strength, the magnetic field strength of the high-latitude poleward streams, and the time derivative of the polar field strength are all well correlated in each hemisphere. These results are based on statistically significant cyclical patterns in the active region fields and are consistent with the Babcock-Leighton phenomenological model for the solar activity cycle. There was more hemispheric asymmetry in the activity level, as measured by total and maximum active region flux, during late Cycle 23 (after around 2004), when the southern hemisphere was more active, and Cycle 24 up to the present, when the northern hemisphere has been more active, than at any other time since 1974. The active region net proxy poloidal fields effectively disappeared in both hemispheres around 2004, and the polar fields did not become significantly stronger after this time. We see evidence that the process of Cycle 24 field reversal has begun at both poles.

OBSERVATIONAL EVIDENCE OF CHANGING PHOTOSPHERIC VECTOR MAGNETIC FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH SOLAR FLARES

Recent observations have provided evidence that the solar photospheric magnetic fields could have rapid and permanent changes in both longitudinal and transverse components associated with major flares. As a result, the Lorentz force (LF) acting on the solar photosphere and solar interior could be perturbed, and the change of LF is always nearly in the downward direction. However, these rapid and permanent changes have not been systematically investigated, yet, using vector magnetograms. In this paper, we analyze photospheric vector magnetograms covering five flares to study the evolution of photospheric magnetic fields. In particular, we investigate two-dimensional spatial distributions of the changing LF. Around the major flaring polarity inversion line, the net change of the LF is directed downward in an area of ∼1019 cm2 for X-class flares. For all events, the white-light observations show that sunspots darken in this location after flares, and magnetic fields become more inclined, which is consistent with the ideas put forward by Hudson et al. and Fisher et al., and observations.

The Solar Magnetic Field and Coronal Dynamics of the Eruption on 2007 May 19

The solar eruption on 2007 May 19, from AR 10956 near solar disk center, consisted of a B9.5 flare (12:48 UT), a filament eruption, an EUV dimming, a coronal wave, and a multifront CME. The eruption was observed by the twin STEREO spacecraft at a separation angle of 8.5°. We report analysis of the source region photospheric magnetic field and its preeruption evolution using MDI magnetograms, the coronal magnetic field topology estimated via PFSS modeling, and the coronal dynamics of the eruption through STEREO EUVI wavelet-enhanced anaglyph movies. Despite its moderate magnitude and size, AR 10956 was a complex and highly nonpotential active region with a multipolar configuration, and hosted frequent flares, multiple filament eruptions, and CMEs. In the 2 days prior to the May 19 eruption, the total unsigned magnetic flux of the region decreased by ~17%. We interpret the photospheric magnetic field evolution, the coronal field topology, and the observed coronal dynamics in the context of current models of CME initiation and discuss the prospects for future MHD modeling inspired by these analyses.

Hinode Observations of a Vector Magnetic Field Change Associated with a Flare on 2006 December 13

Abstract Continuous observations of the flare productive active region 10930 were successfully carried out with the Solar Optical Telescope aboard the Hinode spacecraft during 2006 December 6 to 19. We focused on the evolution of photospheric magnetic fields in this active region, and the magnetic field properties at the site of the X3.4 class flare, using a time series of vector field maps with high spatial resolution. The X3.4 class flare occurred on 2006 December 13 at the apparent collision site between the large, opposite polarity umbrae. Elongated magnetic structures with alternatingly positive and negative polarities resulting from flux emergence appeared one day before the flare in the collision site penumbra. Subsequently, the polarity inversion line at the collision site became very complicated. The number of bright loops in Ca II H increased during the formation of these elongated magnetic structures. Flare ribbons and bright loops evolved along the polarity inversion line and one footpoint of the bright loop was located in a region having a large departure of the field azimuth angle with respect to its surroundings. SOT observations with high spatial resolution and high polarization precision revealed temporal change in the fine structure of magnetic fields at the flare site: some parts of the complicated polarity inversion line then disappeared, and in those regions the azimuth angle of the photospheric magnetic field changed by about 90°, becoming more spatially uniform within the collision site.

Rapid Change of δ Spot Structure Associated with Seven Major Flares

A large fraction of major flares occur in active regions that exhibit a δ configuration. The formation and disintegration of δ configurations is very important in understanding the evolution of photospheric magnetic fields. In this paper we study the relationship between the change in δ spot structures and associated major flares. We present a new observational result that part of penumbral segments in the outer δ spot structure decay rapidly after major flares; meanwhile, the neighboring umbral cores and/or inner penumbral regions become darker. Using white-light (WL) observations from the Transition Region and Coronal Explorer (TRACE), we study the short-term evolution of δ spots associated with seven major flares, including six X-class flares and one M-class flare. The rapid changes, which can be identified in the time profiles of WL mean intensity are permanent, not transient, and thus are not due to flare emission. The co-aligned magnetic field observations obtained with the Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) show substantial changes in the longitudinal magnetic field associated with the decaying penumbrae and darkened central areas. For two events for which vector magnetograms were available, we find that the transverse field associated with the penumbral decay areas decreased while it increased in the central darkened regions. Both events also show an increase in the magnetic shear after the flares. For all the events, we find that the locations of penumbral decay are related to flare emission and are connected by prominent TRACE postflare loops. To explain these observations, we propose a reconnection picture in which the two components of a δ spot become strongly connected after the flare. The penumbral fields change from a highly inclined to a more vertical configuration, which leads to penumbral decay. The umbral core and inner penumbral region become darker as a result of increasing longitudinal and transverse magnetic field components.

The Relationship Between Photospheric Magnetic Field Evolution and Major Flares

On 28 Oct 2003, one of the biggest flares (4B/X17.2) seen in recent years occurred in Active Region (AR) NOAA 10486 associated with a violent halo coronal mass ejection. It was a complex region. After studying the evolution of the AR and the phenomena of this powerful flare, we obtained the following result. (1) Highly sheared transverse field was formed gradually on both sides of the neutral line by squeeze during the AR development; (2) Rotations of penumbra of main polarities were discerned, and the average horizontal velocities was as large as 0.55 km/s; (3) The spiral transverse field of main positive polarity was diffused after the large flare; (4) Some magnetic features submerged or emerged in the vicinity of the flare onset point. The emergence of this rotational and complex magnetic topology implies a transport of magnetic energy and complexity from the low atmosphere to the corona. Moreover, the rapidly submergence (emergence) and movements of the small magnetic features which represent the enhancement (cancellation) and squeeze of the magnetic field play a key role in the onset of the flare.To search for other articles by the author(s) go to: http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abstract_service.html