Thermal fine structure and magnetic fields in the solar atmosphere: spicules and fibrils

The relationship between observed structures in the solar atmosphere and the magnetic fields threading them is known only for the solar photosphere, even then imprecisely. We suggest that some of the fine structure in the more tenuous chromosphere and corona- specifically some populations of spicule...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inarXiv.org
Main Authors Judge, Philip G, Tritschler, Alexandra, Low, Boon Chye
Format Paper Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 08.02.2011
Subjects
Chromosphere
Fine structure
Magnetic fields
Photosphere
Physics - Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
Solar atmosphere
Solar magnetic field
Spicules
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:The relationship between observed structures in the solar atmosphere and the magnetic fields threading them is known only for the solar photosphere, even then imprecisely. We suggest that some of the fine structure in the more tenuous chromosphere and corona- specifically some populations of spicules and fibrils- correspond to warps in 2D sheet-like structures, as an alternative to conventional interpretations in terms of tube-like structures. The sheets are perhaps related to magnetic tangential discontinuities, which Parker has argued arise naturally in low-beta conditions. Some consequences of this suggestion, if it can be confirmed, are discussed.
ISSN:2331-8422
DOI:10.48550/arxiv.1102.1517