Source Regions Of Solar Wind Research Articles

Source Region of the Solar Wind: Statistics of the Doppler Velocities at the Chromosphere

The solar wind has been extensively studied recently with in situ observations, and the understanding of its counterpart near the solar surface has also progressed significantly. With the spectroscopic observations from the Chinese Hα Solar Explorer (CHASE), the chromospheric Dopplergram of the full solar disk is first obtained almost simultaneously. By investigating the statistics of the Doppler velocities at the chromosphere, we find that the coronal hole (CH) regions are dominated by Doppler blueshifts, with a stronger net magnetic flux region corresponding to smaller blueshift velocity. In addition to the average blueshift, the probability density of the Doppler shift is not symmetrically distributed but shows an excess at the redshift side, while the reference region does not show such an asymmetry. The redshift asymmetry may provide a possible clue for the interchange reconnection that might happen just above the chromosphere. By sampling the regions at the network boundaries in the CHs, the probability density is slightly enhanced at the parts of both larger blueshifts and redshifts compared with the result for the whole CH region. As the reference region also shows such enhancement, the crucial area associated with the origin of solar wind is not identified efficiently by sampling the overall network boundaries as demonstrated here. The present study shows the first attempt at interpreting the origin of solar wind in the transient CHs based on the CHASE spectroscopic observations, and a combination of full-disk and high-resolution observations is helpful in the future for firmly understanding the source region of solar wind.

SPICE connection mosaics to link the Sun’s surface and the heliosphere

Aims. We present an analysis of the first connection mosaic made by the SPICE instrument on board the ESA/NASA Solar Orbiter mission on March 2, 2022. The data will be used to map coronal composition that will be compared with in-situ measurements taken by SWA/HIS to establish the coronal origin of the solar wind plasma observed at Solar Orbiter. The SPICE spectral lines were chosen to have varying sensitivity to the first ionization potential (FIP) effect, and therefore the radiances of the spectral lines will vary significantly depending on whether the elemental composition is coronal or photospheric. We investigate the link between the behavior of sulfur and the hypothesis that Alfvén waves drive FIP fractionation above the chromosphere. Methods. We performed temperature diagnostics using line ratios and emission measure (EM) loci, and computed relative FIP biases using three different approaches (two-line ratio (2LR), ratios of linear combinations of spectral lines (LCR), and differential emission measure (DEM) inversion) in order to perform composition diagnostics in the corona. We then compared the SPICE composition analysis and EUI data of the potential solar wind source regions to the SWA/HIS data products. Results. Radiance maps were extracted from SPICE spectral data cubes, with values matching previous observations. We find isothermal plasma of around log T = 5.8 for the AR loops targeted, and that higher FIP-bias values are present at the footpoints of the coronal loops associated with two ARs. Comparing the results with the SWA/HIS data products encourages us to think that Solar Orbiter was connected to a source of slow solar wind during this observation campaign. We demonstrate FIP fractionation in observations of the upper chromosphere and transition region, emphasized by the behavior of the intermediate-FIP element sulfur.

New Insights into the First Two PSP Solar Encounters Enabled by Modeling Analysis with ADAPT-WSA

Parker Solar Probe's (PSP's) unique orbital path allows us to observe the solar wind closer to the Sun than ever before. Essential to advancing our knowledge of solar wind and energetic particle formation is identifying the sources of PSP observations. We report on results for the first two PSP solar encounters derived using the Wang–Sheeley–Arge (WSA) model driven by Air Force Data Assimilative Photospheric Flux Transport (ADAPT) model maps. We derive the coronal magnetic field and the 1 R ⊙ source regions of the PSP-observed solar wind. We validate our results with the solar wind speed and magnetic polarity observed at PSP. When modeling results are very reliable, we derive time series of model-derived spacecraft separation from the heliospheric current sheet, magnetic expansion factor, coronal hole boundary distance, and photospheric field strength along the field lines estimated to be connected to the spacecraft. We present new results for Encounter 1, which show time evolution of the far-side mid-latitude coronal hole that PSP corotates with. We discuss how this evolution coincides with solar wind speed, density, and temperature observed at the spacecraft. During Encounter 2, a new active region emerges on the solar far side, making it difficult to model. We show that ADAPT-WSA output agrees well with PSP observations once this active region rotates onto the near side, allowing us to reliably estimate the solar wind sources retrospectively for most of the encounter. We close with ways in which coronal modeling enables scientific interpretation of these encounters that would otherwise not have been possible.

Proton Beam Abundance Variations and Their Relation to Alpha Particle Properties

Abstract Less abundant but still dynamically important solar wind components are the proton beam and alpha particles, which usually contribute similarly to the total ion momentum. The main characteristics of alpha particles are determined by the solar wind source region, but the origin of the proton beam and its properties are still not fully explained. We use the plasma data measured in situ on the path from 0.3 to 1 au (Helios 1 and 2) and focus on the proton beam development with an increasing radial distance as well as on the connection between the proton beam and alpha particle properties. We found that the proton beam relative abundance increases with increasing distance from the Sun in the collisionally young streams. Among the mechanisms suggested for beam creation, we have identified the wave–particle interactions with obliquely propagating Alfvén modes being consistent with observations. As the solar wind streams get collisionally older, the proton beam decay gradually dominates and the beam abundance is reduced. In search for responsible mechanisms, we found that the content of alpha particles is correlated with the proton beam abundance, and this effect is more pronounced in the fast solar wind streams during the solar maximum. We suggest that Coulomb collisions are the main agent leading to merging of the proton beam and core. We are also showing that the variations of the proton beam abundance are correlated with a decrease of the alpha particle velocity in order to maintain the total momentum balance in the solar wind frame.

Magnetohydrodynamic Waves in Open Coronal Structures

Modern observatories have revealed the ubiquitous presence of magnetohydrodynamic waves in the solar corona. The propagating waves (in contrast to the standing waves) are usually originated in the lower solar atmosphere which makes them particularly relevant to coronal heating. Furthermore, open coronal structures are believed to be the source regions of solar wind, therefore, the detection of MHD waves in these structures is also pertinent to the acceleration of solar wind. Besides, the advanced capabilities of the current generation telescopes have allowed us to extract important coronal properties through MHD seismology. The recent progress made in the detection, origin, and damping of both propagating slow mangetoacoustic waves and kink (Alfv\'{e}nic) waves is presented in this review article especially in the context of open coronal structures. Where appropriate, we give an overview on associated theoretical modelling studies. A few of the important seismological applications of these waves are discussed. The possible role of Aflv\'{e}nic waves in the acceleration of solar wind is also touched upon.

Population of Bright Plume Threads in Solar Polar Coronal Holes

Coronal holes are well accepted to be source regions of the fast solar wind. As one of the common structures in coronal holes, coronal plumes might contribute to the origin of the nascent solar wind. To estimate the contribution of coronal plumes to the nascent solar wind, we make the first attempt to estimate their populations in solar polar coronal holes. By comparing the observations viewed from two different angles taken by the twin satellites of STEREO and the results of Monte Carlo simulations, we estimate about 16--27 plumes rooted in an area of $4\times10^4$ arcsec$^2$ of the polar coronal holes near the solar minimum, which occupy about 2--3.4% of the area. Based on these values, the contribution of coronal plumes to the nascent solar wind has also been discussed. A further investigation indicates that more precise number of coronal plumes can be worked out with observations from three or more viewing angles.

Directly comparing coronal and solar wind elemental fractionation

Context. As the solar wind propagates through the heliosphere, dynamical processes irreversibly erase the signatures of the near–Sun heating and acceleration processes. The elemental fractionation of the solar wind should not change during transit, however, making it an ideal tracer of these processes. Aims. We aim to verify directly if the solar wind elemental fractionation is reflective of the coronal source region fractionation, both within and across different solar wind source regions. Methods. A backmapping scheme was used to predict where solar wind measured by the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) originated in the corona. The coronal composition measured by the Hinode Extreme ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) at the source regions was then compared with the in situ solar wind composition. Results. On hourly timescales, there is no apparent correlation between coronal and solar wind composition. In contrast, the distribution of fractionation values within individual source regions is similar in both the corona and solar wind, but distributions between different sources have a significant overlap. Conclusions. The matching distributions directly verify that elemental composition is conserved as the plasma travels from the corona to the solar wind, further validating it as a tracer of heating and acceleration processes. The overlap of fractionation values between sources means it is not possible to identify solar wind source regions solely by comparing solar wind and coronal composition measurements, but a comparison can be used to verify consistency with predicted spacecraft-corona connections.

Magnetic Field Geometry and Composition Variation in Slow Solar Winds: The Case of Sulfur.

We present an examination of the first ionization potential (FIP) fractionation scenario, invoking the ponderomotive force in the chromosphere and its implications for the source(s) of slow-speed solar winds by using observations from The Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE). Following a recent conjecture that the abundance enhancements of intermediate FIP elements, S, P, and C, in slow solar winds can be explained by the release of plasma fractionated on open fields, though from regions of stronger magnetic field than usually associated with fast solar wind source regions, we identify a period in 2008 containing four solar rotation cycles that show repeated pattern of sulfur abundance enhancement corresponding to a decrease in solar wind speed. We identify the source regions of these slow winds in global magnetic field models, and find that they lie at the boundaries between a coronal hole and its adjacent active region, with origins in both closed and open initial field configurations. Based on magnetic field extrapolations, we model the fractionation and compare our results with element abundances measured by ACE to estimate the solar wind contributions from open and closed fields, and to highlight potentially useful directions for further work.

Coronal Electron Temperature Inferred from the Strahl Electrons in the Inner Heliosphere: Parker Solar Probe and Helios Observations

Abstract The shape of the electron velocity distribution function plays an important role in the dynamics of the solar wind acceleration. Electrons are normally modeled with three components, the core, the halo, and the strahl. We investigate how well the fast strahl electrons in the inner heliosphere preserve the information about the coronal electron temperature at their origin. We analyzed the data obtained by two missions, Helios, spanning the distances between 65 and 215 R S, and Parker Solar Probe (PSP), reaching down to 35 R S during its first two orbits around the Sun. The electron strahl was characterized with two parameters: pitch-angle width (PAW) and the strahl parallel temperature (T s∥). PSP observations confirm the already reported dependence of strahl PAW on core parallel plasma beta ( ). Most of the strahl measured by PSP appear narrow with PAW reaching down to 30°. The portion of the strahl velocity distribution function aligned with the magnetic field is for the measured energy range well described by a Maxwellian distribution function. T s∥ was found to be anticorrelated with the solar wind velocity and independent of radial distance. These observations imply that T s∥ carries the information about the coronal electron temperature. The obtained values are in agreement with coronal temperatures measured using spectroscopy, and the inferred solar wind source regions during the first orbit of PSP agree with the predictions using a PFSS model.

Helium abundance and speed difference between helium ions and protons in the solar wind from coronal holes, active regions, and quiet Sun

Two main models have been developed to explain the mechanisms of release, heating and acceleration of the nascent solar wind, the wave-turbulence-driven (WTD) models and reconnection-loop-opening (RLO) models, in which the plasma release processes are fundamentally different. Given that the statistical observational properties of helium ions produced in magnetically diverse solar regions could provide valuable information for the solar wind modelling, we examine the statistical properties of the helium abundance (A_He) and the speed difference between helium ions and protons (v_alpha,p) for coronal holes (CHs), active regions (ARs) and the quiet Sun (QS). We find bimodal distributions in the space of A_He and v_alpha,p/v_A (where v_A is the local Alfven speed)for the solar wind as a whole. The CH wind measurements are concentrated at higher A_He and v_alpha,p/v_A values with a smaller A_He distribution range, while the AR and QS wind is associated with lower A_He and v_alpha,p/v_A, and a larger A_He distribution range. The magnetic diversity of the source regions and the physical processes related to it are possibly responsible for the different properties of A_He and v_alpha,p/v_A. The statistical results suggest that the two solar wind generation mechanisms, WTD and RLO, work in parallel in all solar wind source regions. In CH regions WTD plays a major role, whereas the RLO mechanism is more important in AR and QS.

Spectroscopic Measurements of the Ion Velocity Distribution at the Base of the Fast Solar Wind

Abstract In situ measurements of the fast solar wind reveal non-thermal distributions of electrons, protons, and minor ions extending from 0.3 au to the heliopause. The physical mechanisms responsible for these non-thermal properties and the location where these properties originate remain open questions. Here, we present spectroscopic evidence, from extreme ultraviolet spectroscopy, that the velocity distribution functions (VDFs) of minor ions are already non-Gaussian at the base of the fast solar wind in a coronal hole, at altitudes of <1.1 R ⊙. Analysis of Fe, Si, and Mg spectral lines reveals a peaked line-shape core and broad wings that can be characterized by a kappa VDF. A kappa distribution fit gives very small kappa indices off-limb of κ ≈ 1.9–2.5, indicating either (a) ion populations far from thermal equilibrium, (b) fluid motions such as non-Gaussian turbulent fluctuations or non-uniform wave motions, or (c) some combination of both. These observations provide important empirical constraints for the source region of the fast solar wind and for the theoretical models of the different acceleration, heating, and energy deposition processes therein. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the ion VDF in the fast solar wind has been probed so close to its source region. The findings are also a timely precursor to the upcoming 2018 launch of the Parker Solar Probe, which will provide the closest in situ measurements of the solar wind at approximately 0.04 au (8.5 solar radii).

On the Relation between the In Situ Properties and the Coronal Sources of the Solar Wind

Abstract We categorize the types of solar wind using a new classification scheme based on the location of the wind’s coronal source regions in the solar atmosphere and near-solar heliosphere. We first trace the solar wind measured by ACE/SWEPAM and SWICS from 1998 to 2011 at 1 au back to a 2.5 R s solar surface using ballistic mapping at constant proton speed; then we map them back to their magnetic footpoints on the 1 R s solar surface via the potential field source surface (PFSS) model. Coronal structures are identified using a classification scheme based on the pixel brightness in the SOHO or STEREO EUV Carrington images. The angular distances between each mapped solar wind footpoint to the different coronal structure pixels are calculated and used as a criterion to identify the type of solar wind source region. Depending on the proximity of the solar wind footpoints to a given coronal or heliospheric structure, we classify the solar wind into six types: active region (AR), AR-boundary, quiet Sun (QS), coronal hole (CH), CH-boundary, and helmet-streamer associated wind. The in situ properties of these six types of solar winds are then examined and compared, and their solar cycle dependences are also discussed.

Charge States and FIP Bias of the Solar Wind from Coronal Holes, Active Regions, and Quiet Sun

Abstract Connecting in situ measured solar-wind plasma properties with typical regions on the Sun can provide an effective constraint and test to various solar wind models. We examine the statistical characteristics of the solar wind with an origin in different types of source regions. We find that the speed distribution of coronal-hole (CH) wind is bimodal with the slow wind peaking at ∼400 km s−1 and the fast at ∼600 km s−1. An anti-correlation between the solar wind speeds and the O7+/O6+ ion ratio remains valid in all three types of solar wind as well during the three studied solar cycle activity phases, i.e., solar maximum, decline, and minimum. The range and its average values all decrease with the increasing solar wind speed in different types of solar wind. The range (0.06–0.40, first ionization potential (FIP) bias range 1–7) for active region wind is wider than for CH wind (0.06–0.20, FIP bias range 1–3), while the minimum value of (∼ 0.06) does not change with the variation of speed, and it is similar for all source regions. The two-peak distribution of CH wind and the anti-correlation between the speed and O7+/O6+ in all three types of solar wind can be explained qualitatively by both the wave-turbulence-driven and reconnection-loop-opening (RLO) models, whereas the distribution features of in different source regions of solar wind can be explained more reasonably by the RLO models.

THE POSSIBLE IMPACT OF L5 MAGNETOGRAMS ON NON-POTENTIAL SOLAR CORONAL MAGNETIC FIELD SIMULATIONS

ABSTRACT The proposed Carrington-L5 mission would bring instruments to the L5 Lagrange point to provide us with crucial data for space weather prediction. To assess the importance of including a magnetograph, we consider the possible differences in non-potential solar coronal magnetic field simulations when magnetograph observations are available from the L5 point, compared with an L1-based field of view (FOV). A timeseries of synoptic radial magnetic field maps is constructed to capture the emergence of two active regions from the L5 FOV. These regions are initially absent in the L1 magnetic field maps, but are included once they rotate into the L1 FOV. Non-potential simulations for these two sets of input data are compared in detail. Within the bipolar active regions themselves, differences in the magnetic field structure can exist between the two simulations once the active regions are included in both. These differences tend to reduce within 5 days of the active region being included in L1. The delayed emergence in L1 can, however, lead to significant persistent differences in long-range connectivity between the active regions and the surrounding fields, and also in the global magnetic energy. In particular, the open magnetic flux and the location of open magnetic footpoints, are sensitive to capturing the real-time of emergence. These results suggest that a magnetograph at L5 could significantly improve predictions of the non-potential corona, the interplanetary magnetic field, and of solar wind source regions on the Sun.

Diagnostics of a Coronal Hole and the Adjacent Quiet Sun by The Hinode/EUV Imaging Spectrometer (EIS)

A comparison between a Coronal Hole (CH) and the adjacent Quiet-Sun (QS) has been performed using spectroscopic diagnostics of Hinode/ the EUV Imaging Spectrometer (EIS). Coronal funnels play an important role in the formation and propagation of the nascent fast solar wind. Applying Gaussian fitting procedures to the observed line profiles, Doppler velocity, intensity, line width (FWHM) and electron density have been estimated over CH and adjacent QS region of a North Polar Coronal Hole (NPCH). The aim of this study is to identify the coronal funnels based on spectral signatures. Excess width regions (excess FWHM above a threshold level) have been identified in QS and CH. The plasma flow inversion (average red-shifts changing to blue-shifts at a specific height) in CH and excess width regions of QS take place at ~ 5.01$\times$10$^{5}$ K. Furthermore, high density concentration in excess width regions of QS provides an indication that these regions are the footprints of coronal funnels. We have also found that non-thermal velocities of CH are higher in comparison to QS confirming that the CHs are the source regions of fast solar wind. Doppler and non-thermal velocities as recorded by different temperature lines have been also compared with previously published results. As we go from lower to upper solar atmosphere, down-flows are dominated in lower atmosphere while coronal lines are dominated by up-flows with a maximum value of ~ 10-12 km s$^{-1}$ in QS. Non-thermal velocity increases first but after Log T$_{e}$ = 5.47 it decreases further in QS. This trend can be interpreted as a signature of the dissipation of Alfv\'en waves, while increasing trend as reported earlier may attribute to the signature of the growth of Alfv\'en waves at lower heights. Predominance of occurrence of nano-flares around O {\sc vi} formation temperature could also explain non-thermal velocity trend.

Ultraviolet and extreme ultraviolet spectroscopy of the solar corona at the Naval Research Laboratory.

We review the history of ultraviolet and extreme ultraviolet spectroscopy with a specific focus on such activities at the Naval Research Laboratory and on studies of the extended solar corona and solar-wind source regions. We describe the problem of forecasting solar energetic particle events and discuss an observational technique designed to solve this problem by detecting supra-thermal seed particles as extended wings on spectral lines. Such seed particles are believed to be a necessary prerequisite for particle acceleration by heliospheric shock waves driven by a coronal mass ejection.

Numerical simulation of superhalo electrons generated by magnetic reconnection in the solar wind source region**Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Superhalo electrons appear to be continuously present in the interplanetary medium, even during very quiet times, with a power-law spectrum at energies above ∼2keV. Here we numerically investigate the generation of superhalo electrons by magnetic reconnection in the solar wind source region, using magnetohydrodynamics and test particle simulations for both single X-line reconnection and multiple X-line reconnection. We find that the direct current electric field, produced in the magnetic reconnection region, can accelerate electrons from an initial thermal energy of T ∼ 105 K up to hundreds of keV. After acceleration, some of the accelerated electrons, together with the nascent solar wind flow driven by the reconnection, propagate upwards along the newly-opened magnetic field lines into interplanetary space, while the rest move downwards into the lower atmosphere. Similar to the observed superhalo electrons at 1AU, the flux of upward-traveling accelerated electrons versus energy displays a power-law distribution at ∼ 2–100 keV, f(E) ∼ E−δ, with a δ of ∼ 1.5 – 2.4. For single (multiple) X-line reconnection, the spectrum becomes harder (softer) as the anomalous resistivity parameter α (uniform resistivity η) increases. These modeling results suggest that the acceleration in the solar wind source region may contribute to superhalo electrons.

Signatures of Slow Solar Wind Streams from Active Regions in the Inner Corona

The identification of solar-wind sources is an important question in solar physics. The existing solar-wind models (e.g., the Wang–Sheeley–Arge model) provide the approximate locations of the solar wind sources based on magnetic field extrapolations. It has been suggested recently that plasma outflows observed at the edges of active regions may be a source of the slow solar wind. To explore this we analyze an isolated active region (AR) adjacent to small coronal hole (CH) in July/August 2009. On 1 August, Hinode/EUV Imaging Spectrometer observations showed two compact outflow regions in the corona. Coronal rays were observed above the active-region coronal hole (ARCH) region on the eastern limb on 31 July by STEREO-A/EUVI and at the western limb on 7 August by CORONAS-Photon/TESIS telescopes. In both cases the coronal rays were co-aligned with open magnetic-field lines given by the potential field source surface model, which expanded into the streamer. The solar-wind parameters measured by STEREO-B, ACE, Wind, and STEREO-A confirmed the identification of the ARCH as a source region of the slow solar wind. The results of the study support the suggestion that coronal rays can represent signatures of outflows from ARs propagating in the inner corona along open field lines into the heliosphere.

THE FIRST STRAY LIGHT CORRECTED EXTREME-ULTRAVIOLET IMAGES OF SOLAR CORONAL HOLES

Coronal holes are the source regions of the fast solar wind, which fills most of the solar system volume near the cycle minimum. Removing stray light from extreme ultraviolet (EUV) images of the Sun's corona is of high astrophysical importance, as it is required to make meaningful determinations of temperatures and densities of coronal holes. EUV images tend to be dominated by the component of the stray light due to the long-range scatter caused by microroughness of telescope mirror surfaces, and this component has proven very difficult to measure in pre-flight characterization. In-flight characterization heretofore has proven elusive due to the fact that the detected image is simultaneously nonlinear in two unknown functions: the stray light pattern and the true image which would be seen by an ideal telescope. Using a constrained blind deconvolution technique that takes advantage of known zeros in the true image provided by a fortuitous lunar transit, we have removed the stray light from solar images seen by the EUVI instrument on STEREO-B in all four filter bands (171, 195, 284, and 304 \AA). Uncertainty measures of the stray light corrected images, which include the systematic error due to misestimation of the scatter, are provided. It is shown that in EUVI, stray light contributes up to 70% of the emission in coronal holes seen on the solar disk, which has dramatic consequences for diagnostics of temperature and density and therefore estimates of key plasma parameters such as the plasma $\beta$\ and ion-electron collision rates.

The source regions of the solar wind revealed by UV/EUV spectroscopic observations

The heating of the solar corona and the origin and acceleration of the solar wind are among the important unsolved problems of space plasma and solar physics. During the SOHO era, coronal holes as source regions of the fast solar wind have been investigated by using UV/EUV spectroscopic data observed with high-resolution spectrometers. At the base of the coronal hole, a detailed picture concerning the origin of the fast solar wind was first obtained by SUMER observations. For example, the Dopplergram deduced from the line profile of Ne VIII and other transition-region lines showed strong evidence that the wind originates in the chromospheric network and starts flowing out of the corona in magnetic funnels. Solar wind mass is suggested to be supplied through supergranule-scale magnetoconvection in the chromosphere and transition region. However, the spectral lines used in these studies are mainly obtained in the transition region and the behaviours of the nascent solar wind at higher temperatures have not yet been understood. Recent spectroscopic and imaging observations with instruments on Hinode and SDO provide further information about the coronal holes seen in EUV lines formed in the solar corona. Some interesting results, e.g. , ubiquitous episodic outflow (jets) and enhanced emission in the blue wing of coronal line profiles, are found from the new observations. The purpose of this presentation is to review recent research progress on solar-wind source regions revealed by UV/EUV spectroscopic and imaging observations. Such observational studies and further interpretations of the data may provide crucial constraints and implications for future studies on both observations and theoretical models concerning coronal heating and acceleration of the nascent solar wind.