Magnetic Funnel Research Articles

Internal Structure of the Magnetic Funnel in the Polar Heliosphere

Internal Structure of the Magnetic Funnel in the Polar Heliosphere

Accretion disc backflow in resistive MHD simulations

ABSTRACT We investigate accretion onto a central star, with the size, rotation rate, and magnetic dipole of a young stellar object, to study the flow pattern (velocity and density) of the fluid within and outside of the disc. We perform resistive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of thin discs, varying the parameters such as the stellar rotation rate and (anomalous) coefficients of viscosity and resistivity in the disc. To provide a benchmark for the results and to compare them with known analytic results, we also perform purely hydrodynamic (HD) simulations for the same problem. Although obtained for different situations with differing inner boundary condition, the disc structure in the HD simulations closely follows the analytic solution of Kluzniak and Kita – in particular, a region of ‘mid-plane’ backflow exists in the right range of radii, depending on the viscosity parameter. In the MHD solutions, whenever the magnetic Prandtl number does not exceed a certain critical value, the mid-plane backflow exists throughout the accretion disc, extending all the way down to the foot point of the accretion funnel flow where the disc transitions to a magnetic funnel flow. For values of the magnetic Prandtl number close to the critical value the backflow and the inner disc undergo a quasi-periodic radial oscillation, otherwise the backflow is steady, as is the disc solution. From our results, supplemented by our reading of the literature, we suggest that mid-plane backflow is a real, physical, and not only numerical feature of at least some accretion discs.

Prospective Implications of Extreme-ultraviolet Coronal Plumes for Magnetic-network Genesis of Coronal Heating, Coronal-hole Solar Wind, and Solar-wind Magnetic Field Switchbacks

We propose that coronal heating in EUV coronal plumes is weaker, not stronger, than in adjacent nonplume coronal magnetic funnels. This expectation stems from (i) the observation that an EUV plume is born as the magnetic flux at the foot of the plume’s magnetic funnel becomes tightly packed, and (ii) the observation that coronal heating in quiet regions increases in proportion to the coastline length of the underlying magnetic network. We do not rule out the possibility that coronal heating in EUV plumes might be stronger, not weaker, but we point out how the opposite is plausible. We reason that increasing coronal heating during plume birth would cause co-temporal increasing net upward mass flux in the plume, whereas decreasing coronal heating during plume birth would cause co-temporal net downward mass flux in quiet-region plumes and co-temporal decrease in net upward mass flux or even net downward mass flux in coronal-hole plumes. We further reason that conclusive evidence of weaker coronal heating in EUV plumes would strengthen the possibility that magnetic-twist waves from fine-scale magnetic explosions at the edges of the magnetic network (1) power much of the coronal heating in quiet regions, and (2) power most of the coronal heating and solar-wind acceleration in coronal holes, with many twist waves surviving to become magnetic field switchbacks in the solar wind from coronal holes.

Stirring the base of the solar wind: On heat transfer and vortex formation

Context.Current models of the solar wind must approximate (or ignore) the small-scale dynamics within the solar atmosphere; however, these are likely important in shaping the emerging wave-turbulence spectrum that ultimately heats and accelerates the coronal plasma.Aims.This study strives to make connections between small-scale vortex motions at the base of the solar wind and the resulting heating and acceleration of the coronal plasma.Methods.TheBifrostcode produces realistic simulations of the solar atmosphere which facilitate the analysis of spatial and temporal scales which are currently at, or beyond, the limit of modern solar telescopes. For this study, theBifrostsimulation is configured to represent the solar atmosphere in a coronal hole region, from which the fast solar wind emerges. The simulation extends from the upper-convection zone (2.5 Mm below the photosphere) to the low corona (14.5 Mm above the photosphere), with a horizontal extent of 24 Mm × 24 Mm. The network of magnetic funnels in the computational domain influence the movement of plasma, as well as the propagation of magnetohydrodynamic waves into the low corona.Results.The twisting of the coronal magnetic field by photospheric flows efficiently injects energy into the low corona. Poynting fluxes of up to 2 − 4 kWm−2are commonly observed inside twisted magnetic structures with diameters in the low corona of 1–5 Mm. Torsional Alfvén waves are favourably transmitted along these structures, and subsequently escape into the solar wind. However, reflections of these waves from the upper boundary condition make it difficult to unambiguously quantify the emerging Alfvén wave-energy flux.Conclusions.This study represents a first step in quantifying the conditions at the base of the solar wind usingBifrostsimulations. It is shown that the coronal magnetic field is readily braided and twisted by photospheric flows. Temperature and density contrasts form between regions with active stirring motions and those without. Stronger whirlpool-like flows in the convection, concurrent with magnetic concentrations, launch torsional Alfvén waves up through the magnetic funnel network, which are expected to enhance the turbulent generation of magnetic switchbacks in the solar wind.

Solar Chromospheric Network as a Source for Solar Wind Switchbacks

Recent studies suggest that the magnetic switchbacks (SBs) detected by the Parker Solar Probe carry information on the scales of solar supergranulation (large scale) and granulation (medium scale). We test this claim using high-resolution Hα images obtained with the visible spectropolarimeters of the Goode Solar Telescope in Big Bear Solar Observatory. As possible solar sources, we count all the spicule-like features standing along the chromospheric networks near the coronal hole boundary visible in the Hα blue-wing but absent in the red-wing images and measure the geometric parameters of dense sections of individual flux tubes. Intervals between adjacent spicules located along the chromospheric networks are found in the range of 0.4–1.5 Mm (0.°03–0.°12) tending to be smaller than the medium scale of SBs. Interdistances between all pairs of the flux tubes are also counted and they appear in a single peak distribution around 0.7 Mm (0.°06) unlike the waiting-time distribution of SBs in a scale-free single power-law form. The length-to-diameter ratio of the dense section of flux tubes is as high as 6–40, similar to the aspect ratio of SBs. The number of spicules along a network can be as high as 40–100, consistent with numerous SBs within a patch. With these numbers, it is argued that the medium scale of SBs can be understood as an equilibrium distance resulting from a random walk within each diverging magnetic field funnel connected to the chromospheric networks.

A Solar Source of Alfvénic Magnetic Field Switchbacks: In Situ Remnants of Magnetic Funnels on Supergranulation Scales

Abstract One of the striking observations from the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) spacecraft is the prevalence in the inner heliosphere of large amplitude, Alfvénic magnetic field reversals termed switchbacks. These δ B R / B ∼  ( 1 ) fluctuations occur over a range of timescales and in patches separated by intervals of quiet, radial magnetic field. We use measurements from PSP to demonstrate that patches of switchbacks are localized within the extensions of plasma structures originating at the base of the corona. These structures are characterized by an increase in alpha particle abundance, Mach number, plasma β and pressure, and by depletions in the magnetic field magnitude and electron temperature. These intervals are in pressure balance, implying stationary spatial structure, and the field depressions are consistent with overexpanded flux tubes. The structures are asymmetric in Carrington longitude with a steeper leading edge and a small (∼1°) edge of hotter plasma and enhanced magnetic field fluctuations. Some structures contain suprathermal ions to ∼85 keV that we argue are the energetic tail of the solar wind alpha population. The structures are separated in longitude by angular scales associated with supergranulation. This suggests that these switchbacks originate near the leading edge of the diverging magnetic field funnels associated with the network magnetic field—the primary wind sources. We propose an origin of the magnetic field switchbacks, hot plasma and suprathermals, alpha particles in interchange reconnection events just above the solar transition region and our measurements represent the extended regions of a turbulent outflow exhaust.

Characterization of a new variable magnetic field linear plasma device

A radio frequency plasma device is presented in which the regions of plasma creation and maximum plasma magnetization can be separated along a 1.5-m tube. Measurements of the plasma density, plasma potential, and electron temperature in the device successfully reproduce previously reported plasma features. These validate the ability of the experiment to continue the investigation of a regime of operation in which the axial plasma density follows the profile of the applied magnetic field, as long as the ions are magnetized under the antenna. The density is shown to increase on axis owing to the decreasing cross section of the converging magnetic funnel connecting the antenna region to the solenoids. When the funnel pinching is increased, stronger magnetic fields are required to inhibit cross-field diffusion and to bring the density on axis in the expected 1012 cm−3 range. Collisionless transport of hot electron populations is observed along the field lines which intersect the area under the antenna and coincides with the presence of high-density conics more than 0.5 m away from the antenna for magnetic fields ≥600 G.

Effect of Magnetized Water on Some Growth Characteristics of cowpea (<i>Vigna unguiculata</i> L.)

Two pot experiments were carried out at Faculty of Education, Alzaiem Alazhari University, Khartoum, to study the effect of magnetized water on some growth characteristics of cowpea. The experiments were set as a completely randomized design with three replications and four treatments. The treatments were water passed through magnetic funnel either, once, two, four or six times, compared with control (tap water). The results indicated significant differences in germination, plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root. Results also showed significant difference in chlorophyll content (a and b) and phosphorus and potassium content. Results indicated that magnetized water is an effective method for high yield of cowpea.

Large-scale Magnetic Funnels in the Solar Corona

Abstract We describe open coronal magnetic fields with a specific geometry—large-scale coronal magnetic funnels—that are found to play an important role in coronal dynamics. Coronal magnetic funnels can be attributed to three main factors: (i) the presence of pseudostreamer(s), (ii) the presence of filament channels, and (iii) the presence of active regions in the close vicinity of a pseudostreamer. The geometry of magnetic funnels displays a strongly nonmonotonic expansion below 2 R ⊙. We present a detailed study of a funnel arising from a double pseudostreamer near the equator, formed between a triplet of coronal holes of the same polarity. By following the evolution of these coronal holes we find that the pseudostreamer and, therefore, funnel topology, changes when two coronal holes have merged together. The funnel geometry of the open magnetic field becomes smoother, with a monotonic expansion factor, after this merging. The presence of magnetic funnels is indirectly confirmed by the appearance of coronal cloud prominences in the solar corona, typically in the 304 Å passband, as a result of colder plasma debris falling back toward the Sun in the wake of eruptions in the surrounding atmosphere. The coronal clouds appear suspended at heights of 1.2–1.3 R ⊙, coinciding with the region of strongest gradients in the magnetic field. By studying the evolution of funnel open magnetic fields over several solar rotations we find a direct relation between the presence of coronal clouds high in the solar corona and the coincident existence of funnel magnetic fields below them.

Critical Magnetic Field Strengths for Solar Coronal Plumes in Quiet Regions and Coronal Holes?

Abstract Coronal plumes are bright magnetic funnels found in quiet regions (QRs) and coronal holes (CHs). They extend high into the solar corona and last from hours to days. The heating processes of plumes involve dynamics of the magnetic field at their base, but the processes themselves remain mysterious. Recent observations suggest that plume heating is a consequence of magnetic flux cancellation and/or convergence at the plume base. These studies suggest that the base flux in plumes is of mixed polarity, either obvious or hidden in Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)/HMI data, but do not quantify it. To investigate the magnetic origins of plume heating, we select 10 unipolar network flux concentrations, four in CHs, four in QRs, and two that do not form a plume, and track plume luminosity in SDO/AIA 171 Å images along with the base flux in SDO/HMI magnetograms, over each flux concentration’s lifetime. We find that plume heating is triggered when convergence of the base flux surpasses a field strength of ∼200–600 G. The luminosity of both QR and CH plumes respond similarly to the field in the plume base, suggesting that the two have a common formation mechanism. Our examples of non-plume-forming flux concentrations, reaching field strengths of 200 G for a similar number of pixels as for a couple of our plumes, suggest that a critical field might be necessary to form a plume but is not sufficient for it, thus advocating for other mechanisms, e.g., flux cancellation due to hidden opposite-polarity field, at play.

Analytical Model of an Asymmetric Sunspot with a Steady Plasma Flow in its Penumbra

A new exact analytical solution to the stationary problem of ideal magnetohydrodynamics is derived for an unipolar asymmetric sunspot immersed in a realistic solar atmosphere. The radial and vertical profiles of pressure, plasma density, and temperature in the visible layers of the sunspot are calculated. The reduction in plasma density in the magnetic funnel of the sunspot, corresponding to the Wilson depression, is also obtained. The magnetic structure of the sunspot is given analytically in a realistic way: a part of the magnetic flux of the sunspot approaches the surrounding photosphere at the outer edge of the penumbra. The magnetic field of the sunspot is not assumed to be axially symmetric. For the first time, the angular dependence of the physical variables in this model allows us to simulate not only a deviation from the circular shape of the sunspot, but also a fine filamentary structure of the sunspot penumbra. The Alfven Mach number (the ratio of the plasma speed to the Alfven speed) is zero at the center of the sunspot and rises slowly toward the periphery of the sunspot; this corresponds to the structure of the Evershed flow in the penumbra. The Evershed flow in our model is mainly concentrated in dark penumbral filaments, as is observed.

Predicting and Understanding the Enzymatic Inhibition of Human Peroxiredoxin 5 by 4-Substituted Pyrocatechols by Combining Funnel Metadynamics, Solution NMR, and Steady-State Kinetics.

Funnel metadynamics is a kind of computational simulation used to enhance the sampling of protein-ligand binding events in solution. By characterization of the binding interaction events, an estimated absolute binding free energy can be calculated. Nuclear magnetic resonance and funnel metadynamics were used to evaluate the binding of pyrocatechol derivatives (catechol, 4-methylcatechol, and 4-tert-butylcatechol) to human peroxiredoxin 5. Human peroxiredoxins are peroxidases involved in cellular peroxide homeostasis. Recently, overexpressed or suppressed peroxiredoxin levels have been linked to various diseases. Here, the catechol derivatives were found to be inhibitors against human peroxiredoxin 5 through a partial mixed type noncompetitive mechanism. Funnel metadynamics provided a microscopic model for interpreting the inhibition mechanism. Correlations were observed between the inhibition constants and the absolute binding free energy. Overall, this study showcases the fact that funnel metadynamics simulations can be employed as a preliminary approach to gain an in-depth understanding of potential enzyme inhibitors.

The plasma structure of coronal hole solar wind: Origins and evolution

AbstractWhereas slow solar wind is known to be highly structured, the fast (coronal hole origin) wind is usually considered to be homogeneous. Using measurements from Helios 1 + 2, ACE, Wind, and Ulysses, structure in the coronal hole origin solar wind is examined from 0.3 AU to 2.3 AU. Care is taken to collect and analyze intervals of “unperturbed coronal hole plasma.” In these intervals, solar wind structure is seen in the proton number density, proton temperature, proton specific entropy, magnetic field strength, magnetic field to density ratio, electron heat flux, helium abundance, heavy‐ion charge‐state ratios, and Alfvenicity. Typical structure amplitudes are factors of 2, far from homogeneous. Variations are also seen in the solar wind radial velocity. Using estimates of the motion of the solar wind origin footpoint on the Sun for the various spacecraft, the satellite time series measurements are converted to distance along the photosphere. Typical variation scale lengths for the solar wind structure are several variations per supergranule. The structure amplitude and structure scale sizes do not evolve with distance from the Sun from 0.3 to 2.3 AU. An argument is quantified that these variations are the scale expected for solar wind production in open magnetic flux funnels in coronal holes. Additionally, a population of magnetic field foldings (switchbacks, reversals) in the coronal hole plasma is examined: this population evolves with distance from the Sun such that the magnetic field is mostly Parker spiral aligned at 0.3 AU and becomes more misaligned with distance outward.

Spatially resolved observations of a coronal type II radio burst with multiple lanes

Relative dynamics of the radio sources of the metric type II burst with three emission lanes and coronal mass ejection (CME) occurred in the lower corona (r≲1.5R⊙) during the SOL2011-02-16T14:19 event is studied. The observational data of the Nancay Radioheliograph (NRH) and the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) are used. These observations are also supplemented by the data sets obtained with the STEREO-A and -B, RHESSI, and GOES spacecraft, as well as with the ground-based solar radio spectrometers. It is found that the sources of the radio burst were located ahead of the expanding CME and had a complex spatial structure. The first and the second lanes were both emitted from the “magnetic funnel” — a bundle of open magnetic field lines separated the south and north systems of magnetic loops of the active region. Due to the projection effect and limited angular resolution of the NRH it is not possible to determine, whether the spatial locations of the radio sources of the two first emission lanes differed or not. It is argued that the observations support the hypothesis that the radio sources of the first and second lanes could be emitted respectively ahead of and behind a front of the same weak (the Alfvén Mach number MA≈1.1–1.2), fast mode, quasi-parallel piston MHD shock wave. However, the third lane of the burst was definitely emitted from a different place. Its radio sources were situated ahead of the north-west part of the CME propagated through the north system of magnetic loops. This indicates clearly that different emission lanes of the same type II burst can be a result of propagation of different parts of a single CME through regions with different physical conditions (geometries and plasma densities) in the lower corona.

NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF FAST-MODE MAGNETOSONIC WAVES EXCITED BY PLASMOID EJECTIONS IN THE SOLAR CORONA

The Atmospheric Imaging Assembly instrument on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory has directly imaged the fast-propagating magnetosonic waves (FMWs) successively propagating outward along coronal magnetic funnels. In this study we perform a numerical investigation of the excitation of FMWs in the interchange reconnection scenario, with footpoint shearing flow being used to energize the system and drive the reconnection. The modeling results show that as a result of magnetic reconnection, the plasma in the current sheet is heated up by Joule dissipation to similar to 10 MK and is ejected rapidly, developing the hot outflows. Meanwhile, the current sheet is torn into plasmoids, which are shot quickly both upward and downward. When the plasmoids reach the outflow regions, they impact and collide with the ambient magnetic field there, which consecutively launches FMWs. The FMWs propagate outward divergently away from the impact regions, with a phase speed of the Alfven speed of similar to 1000 km s(-1). In the k-omega. diagram of the Fourier wave power, the FMWs display a broad frequency distribution with a straight ridge that represents the dispersion relation. With the WKB approximation, at the distance of 15Mm from the wave source region, we estimate the energy flux of FMWs to be E similar to 7.0 x 10(6) erg cm(-2) s(-1), which is similar to 50 times smaller than the energy flux related to the tube-channeled reconnection outflow. These simulation results indicate that energetically and dynamically the outflow is far more important than the waves.

Possible signature of Alfvén wave dissipation in the localized magnetic funnels of the equatorial solar corona

Abstract We analyse the Hinode/EIS 2″-spectroscopic scan data containing the spectral line formed at typical inner coronal temperature. The strong Fe xii 195.120 Å line shows the existence of funnel-like expanding flux-tubes which exhibit the signature of blue-/red-shifted plasma motions in the off-limb equatorial corona. These coronal funnels expand in the form of open magnetic field channels up to inner coronal heights. They are most likely the parts of large-scale and closed magnetic fields (loops) which exist at higher heights in the diffused equatorial corona. We also find the signature of decreasing line-widths with altitude in observed coronal funnels (e.g., funnel 1), which is the lower part of a curved loop system. This provides the most likely signature of Alfvén wave dissipation in lower part of this loop system. We also examine the blue-shifted and diffused coronal loop boundary and interfaced region (funnel 3) which shows increasing Fe xii 195.120 Å line-width along it. Therefore, it exhibits the most likely signature of Alfvén wave growth in this region which is slightly curved and rising higher in the corona. Density measurements in these funnels show that it falls off with height, but more rapidly in the second funnel. We conjecture the almost constant line-width trend as a most likely signature of Alfvén wave dissipation in this density-stratified second coronal funnel, which is also the lower part of a large-scale closed loop system. Both dissipative and growing Alfvén waves can change the non-thermal component and thus the full width at half-maximum of the Fe xii 195.120 Å line. We find the clues of Alfvén wave dissipation along the expanding field lines of the coronal funnel (lower parts of the loop system) imparting its energy to the outflowing plasma and thereby contributing to the formation of the nascent solar wind in the inner corona.

Fast magnetoacoustic wave trains in coronal holes

Context. Rapidly propagating coronal EUV disturbances recently discovered in the solar corona are interpreted in terms of guided fast magnetoacoustic waves. Fast magnetoacoustic waves experience geometric dispersion in waveguides, which causes localised, impulsive perturbations to develop into quasi-periodic wave trains. Aims. We consider the formation of fast wave trains in a super-radially expanding coronal hole modelled by a magnetic funnel with a field-aligned density profile that is rarefied in comparison to the surrounding plasma. This kind of structure is typical of coronal holes, and it forms a fast magnetoacoustic anti-waveguide as a local maximum in the Alfven speed. Methods. We performed 2D MHD numerical simulations for impulsively generated perturbations to the system. Both sausage and kink perturbations are considered and the role of the density contrast ratio investigated. Results. The anti-waveguide funnel geometry refracts wave energy away from the structure. However, in this geometry the quasi-periodic fast wave trains are found to appear, too, and so can be associated with the observed rapidly propagating coronal EUV disturbances. The wave trains propagate along the external edge of the coronal hole. The fast wave trains generated in coronal holes exhibit less dispersive evolution than in the case of a dense waveguide. Conclusions. We conclude that an impulsive energy release localised in a coronal plasma inhomogeneity develops into a fast wave train for both kink and sausage disturbances and for both waveguide and anti-waveguide transverse plasma profiles.

A Simulation Study of the Magnetic Reconnections Between Closed Loops and Open Magnetic Fields Driven by Horizontal Flows on Solar Surface

Numerous observational events in the solar atmosphere (e.g., solar flares and jets) are attributed to the energy conversion due to magnetic reconnec- tions. Magnetic reconnections are also involved in a new scenario of solar wind origin to play a crucial role in opening the closed magnetic loop and releasing its mass into the open magnetic funnel. In this scenario, the closed magnetic loop moves towards the supergranular boundary by the supergranular convection, and collides with the open magnetic funnel there to trigger the magnetic reconnec- tion between each other. This work aims at studying the occurrence and effect of magnetic reconnection in this scenario in detail. The magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) numerical simulation is an important approach to investigate the mag- netic reconnection process in the solar atmosphere. A two-dimensional MHD numerical model has been established, and in combination with the stratified temperature and density distributions in the solar atmosphere, the numerical simulation on the process of magnetic reconnection of the closed magnetic loops driven by the horizontal flows with the open magnetic fields has been performed on the scale of supergranulation. Based on a quantitative analysis of the simula- tion result, it is suggested that the process of magnetic reconnection can really realize the mass release of closed magnetic loops, and further supply to the new open magnetic structures to produce upward mass flows. Our results provide a basis for the further modeling of solar wind origin.

TRANSFORMATION INSIDE A NULL-SPACE REGION AND A DC MAGNETIC FUNNEL FOR ACHIEVING AN ENHANCED MAGNETIC FLUX WITH A LARGE GRADIENT

The idea of transformation inside a null-space region is introduced for the flrst time, and used to design a novel DC magnetic compressor that concentrates DC magnetic ∞ux greatly and behaves as a DC magnetic funnel. The proposed device can be used as a passive DC magnetic lens to achieve an enhanced DC magnetic fleld (e.g., 7.9 times or more depending on the size and other parameters of the compressor) with a large gradient (e.g., 450T/m or more) in free space. After some theoretical approximation, the proposed device can be easily constructed by using a combination of superconductors and ferromagnetic materials. Numerical simulations are given to verify the performance of our device. The proposed method (use a null-space region as the reference space) can be extended to reduce the material requirement when designing other devices with transformation optics.

Fast magnetoacoustic wave trains in magnetic funnels of the solar corona

Context: Fast magneto-acoustic waves are highly dispersive in waveguides, so they can generate quasi-periodic wave trains if a localised, impulsive driver is applied. Such wave trains have been observed in the solar corona and may be of use as a seismological tool since they depend upon the plasma structuring perpendicular to the direction of propagation. Aims. We extend existing models of magnetoacoustic waveguides to consider the effects of an expanding magnetic field. The funnel geometry employed includes a field-aligned density structure. Methods: We performed 2D numerical simulations of impulsively generated fast magneto-acoustic perturbations. The effects of the density contrast ratio, density stratification, and spectral profile of the driver upon the excited wave trains were investigated. Results: The density structure acts as a dispersive waveguide for fast magneto-acoustic waves and generates a quasi-periodic wave train similar to previous models. The funnel geometry leads to generating additional wave trains that propagate outside the density structure. These newly discovered wave trains are formed by the leakage of transverse perturbations, but they propagate upwards owing to the refraction caused by the magnetic funnel. Conclusions: The results of our funnel model may be applicable to wave trains observed propagating in the solar corona. They demonstrate similar properties to those found in our simulations.