Magnetic Field Of Sun Research Articles

Solar activity forecast with a dynamo model

Although systematic measurements of the Sun's polar magnetic field exist only from mid‐1970s, other proxies can be used to infer the polar field at earlier times. The observational data indicate a strong correlation between the polar field at a sunspot minimum and the strength of the next cycle, although the strength of the cycle is not correlated well with the polar field produced at its end. This suggests that the Babcock–Leighton mechanism of poloidal field generation from decaying sunspots involves randomness, whereas the other aspects of the dynamo process must be reasonably ordered and deterministic. Only if the magnetic diffusivity within the convection zone is assumed to be high (of order 1012 cm2 s−1), we can explain the correlation between the polar field at a minimum and the next cycle. We give several independent arguments that the diffusivity must be of this order. In a dynamo model with diffusivity like this, the poloidal field generated at the mid‐latitudes is advected toward the poles by the meridional circulation and simultaneously diffuses towards the tachocline, where the toroidal field for the next cycle is produced. To model actual solar cycles with a dynamo model having such high diffusivity, we have to feed the observational data of the poloidal field at the minimum into the theoretical model. We develop a method of doing this in a systematic way. Our model predicts that cycle 24 will be a very weak cycle. Hemispheric asymmetry of solar activity is also calculated with our model and compared with observational data.

Monitoring the Sun: A Global Space Weather Enterprise

Monitoring the Sun: A Global Space Weather Enterprise

Predicting Solar Cycle 24 With a Solar Dynamo Model

Whether or not the upcoming cycle 24 of solar activity will be strong is being hotly debated. The solar cycle is produced by a complex dynamo mechanism. We model the last few solar cycles by "feeding" observational data of the Sun's polar magnetic field into our solar dynamo model. Our results fit the observed sunspot numbers of cycles 21-23 reasonably well and predict that cycle 24 will be about 35% weaker than cycle 23.

Observations Supporting the Role of Magnetoconvection in Energy Supply to the Quiescent Solar Atmosphere

Identifying the two physical mechanisms behind the production and sustenance of the quiescent solar corona and solar wind poses two of the outstanding problems in solar physics today. We present analysis of spectroscopic observations from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory that are consistent with a single physical mechanism being responsible for a significant portion of the heat supplied to the lower solar corona and the initial acceleration of the solar wind; the ubiquitous action of magnetoconvection-driven reprocessing and exchange reconnection of the Sun's magnetic field on the supergranular scale. We deduce that while the net magnetic flux on the scale of a supergranule controls the injection rate of mass and energy into the transition region plasma it is the global magnetic topology of the plasma that dictates whether the released ejecta provides thermal input to the quiet solar corona or becomes a tributary that feeds the solar wind.

Are there connections between the Earth's magnetic field and climate?

Understanding climate change is an active topic of research. Much of the observed increase in global surface temperature over the past 150 years occurred prior to the 1940s and after the 1980s. The main causes invoked are solar variability, changes in atmospheric greenhouse gas content or sulfur due to natural or anthropogenic action, or internal variability of the coupled ocean–atmosphere system. Magnetism has seldom been invoked, and evidence for connections between climate and magnetic field variations have received little attention. We review evidence for correlations which could suggest such (causal or non-causal) connections at various time scales (recent secular variation ∼ 10–100 yr, historical and archeomagnetic change ∼ 100–5000 yr, and excursions and reversals ∼ 10 3–10 6 yr), and attempt to suggest mechanisms. Evidence for correlations, which invoke Milankovic forcing in the core, either directly or through changes in ice distribution and moments of inertia of the Earth, is still tenuous. Correlation between decadal changes in amplitude of geomagnetic variations of external origin, solar irradiance and global temperature is stronger. It suggests that solar irradiance could have been a major forcing function of climate until the mid-1980s, when “anomalous” warming becomes apparent. The most intriguing feature may be the recently proposed archeomagnetic jerks, i.e. fairly abrupt (∼ 100 yr long) geomagnetic field variations found at irregular intervals over the past few millennia, using the archeological record from Europe to the Middle East. These seem to correlate with significant climatic events in the eastern North Atlantic region. A proposed mechanism involves variations in the geometry of the geomagnetic field (f.i. tilt of the dipole to lower latitudes), resulting in enhanced cosmic-ray induced nucleation of clouds. No forcing factor, be it changes in CO 2 concentration in the atmosphere or changes in cosmic ray flux modulated by solar activity and geomagnetism, or possibly other factors, can at present be neglected or shown to be the overwhelming single driver of climate change in past centuries. Intensive data acquisition is required to further probe indications that the Earth's and Sun's magnetic fields may have significant bearing on climate change at certain time scales.

Cosmic Rays Track the Rotation of the Milky Way

Energetic cosmic rays are coming from a particular region of the sky and rotating with our arm of the Milky Way. Such data may help us understand how our Galaxy interacts with the Sun's magnetic field.

Solar‐B satellite launches

Solar‐B, a satellite designed to study the Sun's magnetic field through coordinated measurements of the solar atmosphere, successfully launched from Uchinoura Space Center in Kagoshima, Japan, on 23 September. Data from the satellite's instruments will allow scientists to study in detail how changes in the Sun's magnetic field propagate from the surface through the solar atmosphere to create the magnetic storms that effect Earth.

The magnetic field and its effects on the solar atmosphere in high resolution

AbstractThe Sun's magnetic field is produced throughout the solar interior; it emerges and is dispersed by surface and subsurface flows, and then expands above the surface to dominate the structure of the corona. To resolve the effects of the magnetic field it is necessary to image the interior and measure its rotation and flow systems; track the responses of the magnetic fields to flows in the surface; and to follow the evolution of structures in the corona. Because the Sun is dynamic both high spatial and temporal resolution are essential. Because the Sun's magnetic field effects encompass the entire spherical exterior, the entire surface and outer atmosphere must be mapped. And because the magnetic field is cyclic high-resolution observations must be maintained over multiple cycles.

Quiet sun magnetic field diagnostics with a Mn line

Context. The Mn line at 553 nm shows strong spectral features in both intensity and polarization profiles due to the hyperfine structure of the atom. These features, their presence or absence, are known to be dependent on the magnetic regime to which the Mn atom is subject. Aims. Our objective is to disentangle strong kilo-Gauss (kG) fields from relatively weak hecto-Gauss (hG) fields in the quiet sun, and compute relative filling factors on the resolution element. Methods. We observed the 553 nm Mn line in a quiet sun area with the Advanced Stokes Polarimeter, and we introduce an in-line ratio between different spectral features. Filling factors can be retrieved from the measurement of this ratio and the total longitudinal flux. Results. In the photospheric network the kG dominate the magnetic flux, although out of the higher concentration areas the hG fields dominate in surface coverage. For the internetwork (granules and lanes confounded) the hG are dominant both in surface and total flux.

Quiet Sun Magnetic Fields from Simultaneous Inversions of Visible and Infrared Spectropolarimetric Observations

We study the quiet Sun magnetic fields using spectropolarimetric observations of the infrared and visible Fe I lines at 6301.5, 6302.5, 15648, and 15653 A. Magnetic field strengths and filling factors are inferred by the simultaneous fit of the observed Stokes profiles under the MISMA hypothesis. The observations cover an intranetwork region at the solar disk center. We analyze 2280 Stokes profiles whose polarization signals are above noise in the two spectral ranges, which correspond to 40% of the field of view. Most of these profiles can be reproduced only with a model atmosphere including three magnetic components with very different field strengths, which indicates the coexistence of kG and sub-kG fields in our 15 resolution elements. We measure an unsigned magnetic flux density of 9.6 G considering the full field of view. Half of the pixels present magnetic fields with mixed polarities in the resolution element. The fraction of mixed polarities increases as the polarization weakens. We compute the probability density function of finding each magnetic field strength. It has a significant contribution of kG field strengths, which concentrates most of the observed magnetic flux and energy. This kG contribution has a preferred magnetic polarity, while the polarity of the weak fields is balanced.

The Distribution of Quiet Sun Magnetic Field Strengths from 0 to 1800 G

The quiet-Sun photospheric plasma has a variety of magnetic field strengths going from zero to 1800 G. The empirical characterization of these field strengths requires a probability density function (PDF), i.e., a function P(B) describing the fraction of quiet Sun occupied by each field strength B. We show how to combine magnetic field strength measurements based on the Zeeman effect and the Hanle effect to estimate an unbiased P(B). The application of the method to real observations renders a set of possible PDFs, which outline the general characteristics of the quiet-Sun magnetic fields. Their most probable field strength differs from zero. The magnetic energy density is a significant fraction of the kinetic energy of the granular motions at the base of the photosphere (larger than 15% or larger than 2 × 103 ergs cm-3). The unsigned flux density (or mean magnetic field strength) has to be between 130 and 190 G. A significant part of the unsigned flux (between 10% and 50%) and of the magnetic energy (between 45% and 85%) are provided by the field strengths larger than 500 G, which, however, occupy only a small fraction of the surface (between 1% and 10%). The fraction of kG fields in the quiet Sun is even smaller, but they are important for a number of reasons. The kG fields still trace a significant fraction of the total magnetic energy, they reach the high photosphere, and they appear in unpolarized light images. The quiet-Sun photosphere has far more unsigned magnetic flux and magnetic energy than the active regions and the network combined.

Introduction

The Sun's magnetic field is responsible for many spectacularly dynamic and intricate phenomena, such as the 11 year solar activity cycle, the hot and tenuous outer atmosphere called the solar corona, and the continuously expanding stream of solar particles known as the solar wind.Recently, there has been an enormous increase in our understanding of the role of solar magnetism in producing the observed complex atmosphere of the Sun. One such advance has occurred in the detection, by several different high-resolution space instruments on-board the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory and Transition Region and Coronal Explorer satellites, of magnetic waves and oscillations in the solar corona. The new subjects of solar atmospheric and coronal seismology are undergoing rapid development. The aim of this Scientific Discussion Meeting was to address the progress made through observational, theoretical and numerical studies of wave phenomena in the magnetic solar plasma. Major theoretical and observational advances were reported by a wide range of international scientists and pioneers in this field, followed by lively discussions and poster sessions on the many intriguing questions raised by the new results. Theoretical and observational aspects of magnetohydrodynamic waves and oscillations in general, and how these wave phenomena differ in various regions of the Sun, including sunspots, the transient lower atmosphere and the corona (in magnetic loops, plumes and prominences), were addressed through invited review papers and selected poster presentations. The results of these deliberations are collected together in this volume.

Magnetohelioseismology

The helioseismic investigation of the solar interior to elucidate the behaviour of the Sun's magnetic field and the interior's role in the solar interior is considered. Such study may be called magnetohelioseismology (from the Greek roots magnetis, helios and seismos).

THE SOLAR-B MISSION

The Solar-B is the third Japanese spacecraft dedicated for solar physics to be launched in summer of 2006. The spacecraft carries a coordinated set of optical, EUV and X-ray instruments that will allow a systematic study of the interaction between the Sun's magnetic field and its high temperature, ionized atmosphere. The Solar Optical Telescope (SOT) consists of a 50cm aperture diffraction limited Gregorian telescope and a focal plane package, and provides quantitative measurements of full vector magnetic fields at the photosphere with spatial resolution of 0.2-0.3 arcsec in a condition free from terrestrial atmospheric seeing. The X-ray telescope (XRT) images the high temperature (0.5 to 10 MK) corona with improved spatial resolution of approximately 1 arcsec. The Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) aims to determine velocity fields and other plasma parameters in the corona and the transition region. The Solar-B telescopes, as a whole, will enable us to explore the origins of the outer solar atmosphere, the corona, and the coupling between the fine magnetic structure at the photosphere and the dynamic processes occurring in the corona. The mission instruments (SOT/EIS/XRT) are joint effort of Japan (JAXA/NAO), the United States (NASA), and the United Kingdom (PPARC). An overview of the spacecraft and its mission instruments are presented.

Quiet sun magnetic fields vs. polar faculae – local vs. global dynamo?

AbstractQuiet Sun magnetic fields in the internetwork are almost ubiquitous. Simultaneous observations in infra‐red and visible lines and high spatial resolution (<0.5″) data in visible lines show that their field strengths range from below few hundred Gauss to kilo‐Gauss. Most of the flux is contained in small‐scale, strong‐field features located mainly in intergranular lanes. The average unsigned flux density exceeds 20 Gauss. The new detections are confirmed by recent quiet Sun observations in the G band. The generation of the strong fields in the internetwork, which may be due to a local dynamo, poses a challenging problem. – Polar faculae (PFe) are small‐scale magnetic features at the polar caps of the Sun. They take part in the solar cycle and are thus likely to be rooted deeply in the solar interior. They are the result of the global dynamo at the solar poles. PFe also possess kilo‐Gauss magnetic fields which have the same polarity as the global magnetic field. The rôle of quiet Sun magnetic field structures and of PFe for the dynamics of the corona and for the solar wind are addressed. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Magnetic Fields from SOHO MDI Converted to the Mount Wilson 150 Foot Solar Tower Scale

In order to permit the construction of long-duration time series dependent on the Sun's magnetic field, this paper presents a detailed cross-correlation between sets of simultaneous magnetograms from the Mount Wilson Observatory (MWO) and the Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) aboard the SOHO spacecraft. The MWO 150 foot (45.72 m) solar tower telescope magnetogram data are for the Fe I 525.0 nm and Ni I 676.8 nm lines, and the MDI data are level 1.8 magnetograms also for the Ni I 676.8 nm spectral line. In these comparisons, we apply a saturation correction factor to the MWO 525.0 nm fields prior to the derivation of the MDI scale factor. Data from 1997 March to 2002 August are used for this work. We have found that the ratio of MWO Fe I 525.0 nm magnetograms over MDI magnetograms is about 1.7, and it is a function of the center-to-limb angle. Moreover, there are differences between the west-side and the east-side ratios, and these differences may come from the angle dependence of the Michelson filters in the MDI instrument. The MDI tuning changes, on the other hand, are not associated with significant jumps in the derived scale factor ratio. The average scale factors should be adequate for the construction of MDI images closely comparable to those of the saturation-corrected long-duration MWO 525.0 nm sequence.

The Mechanism involved in the Reversals of the Sun's Polar Magnetic Fields

Models of the polarity reversals of the Sun's polar magnetic fields based on the surface transport of flux are discussed and are tested using observations of the polar fields during Cycle 23 obtained by the National Solar Observatory at Kitt Peak. We have extended earlier measurements of the net radial flux polewards of ±60° and confirm that, despite fluctuations of ∼20%, there is a steady decline in the old polarity polar flux which begins shortly after sunspot minimum (although not at the same time in each hemisphere), crosses the zero level near sunspot maximum, and increases, with reversed polarity during the remainder of the cycle. We have also measured the net transport of the radial field by both meridional flow and diffusion across several latitude zones at various phases of the Cycle. We can confirm that there was a net transport of leader flux across the solar equator during Cycle 23 and have used statistical tests to show that it began during the rising phase of this cycle rather than after sunspot maximum. This may explain the early decrease of the mean polar flux after sunspot minimum. We also found an outward flow of net flux across latitudes ±60° which is consistent with the onset of the decline of the old polarity flux. Thus the polar polarity reversals during Cycle 23 are not inconsistent with the surface flux-transport models but the large empirical values required for the magnetic diffusivity require further investigation.

Science Goals and Development of the Advanced Technology Solar Telescope

The Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST) will perform high-resolution studies of the Sun's magnetic fields needed to understand their role in the fundamental processes responsible for solar variability. The generation of magnetic fields through dynamo processes, the amplification of fields through the interaction with plasma flows, and the destruction of fields remain poorly understood. There is incomplete insight as to what physical mechanisms are responsible for heating the corona, what causes variations in the radiative output of the Sun, and what mechanisms trigger flares and coronal mass ejections. Progress in answering these critical questions requires study of the interaction of the magnetic field and convection with a resolution sufficient to observe scales fundamental to these processes. The 4-m aperture ATST is designed as a unique scientific tool, with excellent angular resolution, a large wavelength range, and low scattered light. With its integrated adaptive optics, the ATST will achieve a spatial resolution nearly 10 times better than any existing solar telescope. To search for other articles by the author(s) go to: http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abstract_service.html

Anchor depths of flux elements and depths of flux sources in relation to the two rotation profiles of the sun's surface magnetic fields

It is known for over two decades now that the rotation of the photospheric magnetic fields determined by two different methods of correlation analysis leads to two vastly differing rotation laws - one the differential and the other rigid rotation. Snodgrass and Smith (2001) reexamining this puzzle show that the averaging of the correlation amplitudes can tilt the final profile in favour of rigid rotation whenever the contribution of the rigidly rotating large-scale magnetic structures (the plumes) to the correlation dominates over that of the differentially rotating small-scale and mesoscale features. We present arguments to show that the large-scale unipolar structures in latitudes >40 deg, which also show rigid rotation (Stenflo, 1989), are formed mainly from the intranetwork magnetic elements (abbreviated as IN elements). We then estimate the anchor depths of the various surface magnetic elements as locations of the Sun's internal plasma layers that rotate at the same rate as the flux elements, using the rotation rates of the internal plasma layers given by helioseismology. We infer that the anchor depths of the flux broken off from the decay of sunspot active regions (the small-scale and mesoscale features that constitute the plumes) are located in the shallow layers close to the solar surface. From a similar comparison with helioseismic rotation rates we infer that the rigid rotation of the large-scale unipolar regions in high latitudes could only be coming from plasma layers at a radial distance of about 0.66–0.68 R⊙ from the Sun's centre. Using Stenflo's (1991) ‘balloon man’ analogy, we interpret these layers as the source of the magnetic flux of the IN elements. If so, the IN flux elements seem to constitute a fundamental component of solar magnetism.

Probabilistic forecasting of geomagnetic indices using solar wind air mass analysis

Measurements of the Sun's photospheric magnetic field can in principle be used to predict geomagnetic activity 1–3 days in advance. The accuracy of such predictions is low, however, because they do not include the north‐south component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF Bz), which is the most geomagnetically relevant parameter. Aside from that carried by large‐scale transients, IMF Bz is mainly a product of small‐scale, in‐transit turbulence and so is inherently unpredictable from solar measurements. Routine 1‐ to‐3‐day forecasts of geomagnetic activity based on deterministic algorithms are, therefore, not possible. Probabilistic forecasts offer the next best thing to deterministic forecasts, and air mass climatology offers a way to develop the advantages inherent in probabilistic forecasts for space weather applications. Here we address the IMF Bz indeterminacy problem (or better, get around it) by applying the concept of air mass climatology to the solar wind. We give criteria and statistics for solar wind air masses, which provide poof of concept for routine, midrange (1‐ to 3‐day) probabilistic air mass forecasts of daily levels of geomagnetic activity.