High-resolution Studies of the Polar Magnetic Fields during Cycle 23

High-resolution mosaics of the solar polar magnetic fields have been constructed using individual magnetograms obtained with the video magnetograph of the Big Bear Solar Observatory, and the properties of these mosaics are demonstrated in this paper. The mosaics show selected regions of the polar fields on several days during the rising phase of Cycle 23, and are related to the global polar fields (i) by superposing the mosaic for a given day on to a full-disk SOHO-MDI magnetogram obtained on the same day, (ii) by plotting the mosaics in polar projection and using these to identify the approximate regions reported by the mosaics on the NSOKP polar synoptic plots, and (iii) by imposing the locations of the H filaments on to the mosaics in order to infer the neutral lines of the large-scale fields. We have studied the fine structure of the large-scale unipolar fields near the poles and, in particular, have constructed histograms of the magnetic field intensities within particular regions of the mosaics and, in this way, have estimated the ratios of the number of magnetic knots of opposite polarities within the unipolar plumes. We have also generated enlargements of the polar regions of the NSOKP daily magnetograms. These and statistical studies have shown that on days for which the BBSO mosaics are not available, the NSOKP enlargements may be used to study the high-resolution polar fields. Time-series of mosaics obtained over four-hour periods on September 6 and November 18 show that considerable evolution in the structure of existing flux knots and the formation of several new knots has taken place during these periods.     

The reversal of the solar polar magnetic fields

Observations of the first major active regions and large-scale magnetic field patterns of Cycle 22 are presented. These show that, following the emergence of a trans-equatorial pattern, or cell, of positive flux related to old cycle activity, the first new cycle active regions of the longitude range emerged across the neutral lines of this cell, which continued to grow and expand across the equator for several rotations. The development of a parallel trans-equatorial band of flux of opposite (negative) polarity and the emergence of both new and old cycle active regions across a neutral line of this cell are also described.Simulations using the flux transport equation, and based on synoptic magnetic data provided by the Mount Wilson Observatory, show that, while the growth of the positive region could, in part, be explained by the decay of flux from these new regions, there were significant differences between synoptic contour charts based on the simulations and those constructed from the observed fields. They also show that the development of the negative region cannot reasonably be explained by the decay of the observed active regions.A further example of the counter rotation of decaying active region fields is reported. Here the initial tilt of the negative-positive magnetic axes of two adjacent regions is normal, and simulations based on these data show their combined follower flux moving preferentially polewards. However, the observations show that, after three rotations, the decaying leader flux is entirely poleward of the follower flux.On leave from the School of Mathematics, University of Sydney.     

High-Resolution Vector Magnetograms of the Sun’s Poles from Hinode: Flux Distributions and Global Coronal Modeling

The Sun’s polar fields play a leading role in structuring the large-scale solar atmosphere and in determining the interplanetary magnetic field. They are also believed to supply the seed field for the subsequent solar activity cycle. However, present-day synoptic observations do not have sufficient spatial resolution or sensitivity to diagnose accurately the high-latitude magnetic vector field. The high spatial resolution and sensitivity of the full-Stokes observations from the Hinode Solar Optical Telescope Spectro-Polarimeter, observing the poles long-term, allows us to build up a detailed picture of the Cycle 24 polar field reversal, including the changing latitude distribution of the high-latitude flux, and to study the effect on global coronal field models. The Hinode observations provide detailed information on the dominant facular-scale magnetic structure of the polar fields, and their field inclination and flux distribution. Hybrid synoptic magnetograms are constructed from Hinode polar measurements and full-disk magnetograms from the Synoptic Optical Long-term Investigations of the Sun (SOLIS) Vector Spectro-Magnetograph (VSM), and coronal potential field models are calculated. Loss of effective spatial resolution at the highest latitudes presents complications. Possible improvements to synoptic polar data are discussed.     

Simulations of the Polar Field Reversals during Cycle 22

The revised Mount Wilson synoptic magnetic data for the period September 1987 through March 1996 are used as the basis of numerical simulations of the evolution of both the northern and southern polar magnetic fields during the reversal and declining phases of cycle 22. The simulations are based on numerical solutions of the flux-transport equation which involve, as parameters, the maximum meridional flow speed, v ₀, and the supergranule diffusivity, . By matching characteristics of the observed and simulated fields, such as the observed reversal times, the evolution of the net flux above 60 °, and the migration of the polar crown, empirical values of these parameters, i.e., v ₀=11 m s^–1,=600 km² s^–1, may be determined. Further, the observed decrease in the mean net flux above 60 ° during the late declining phase of cycle 22 can be simulated only by increasing the diffusivity to 900 km² s^–1. However, direct observations of the supergranule velocities yield values of the diffusivity of order 200 km² s^–1, and we show that the inclusion of a pattern of emerging bipoles in the simulations can increase the diffusion of these fields and that, together with a more realistic value of the diffusivity, it is possible to reproduce qualitatively the features of the observed polar field reversals.     

The evolution of isolated active regions

The decay of several active regions which emerged early in cycle 22 has been studied using daily magnetograms and synoptic plots obtained at the Vacuum Telescope at the National Solar Observatory, Kitt Peak. The observed patterns are compared with simulations using the flux transport equation and some discrepancies are noted. For one region it is shown that, by including the emergence of a non-random pattern of small magnetic bipoles during the decay, the correspondence between the observed and simulated patterns may be improved.     

Polar magnetic fields – Filaments and the zero-flux contour

We investigate the reliability with which magnetograph observations of the large-scale polar fields establish the zero-flux contour by comparing magnetic maps from various sources with one another and with the locations of filament structures seen on the disk in H filtergrams. The daily MWO and NSOKP magnetograms smoothed over 120 arc sec provide consistent large-scale zero-flux contours which align with the filaments out to heliocentric angles of about 75°. Synoptic maps match in regions where the locations of the zero-flux contour and of the filaments are maintained for several days. Attention is drawn to regions at the tips of unipolar `plumes' and the polar crown gap where the contours are variable from day to day; these are tentatively identified as regions of active reorganization of large-scale flux.     

Spatial variations of background magnetic field polarity distribution on the Sun

Based on an analysis of the latitude and longitude regularities in the distribution of the sign of the background magnetic field (BMF) on the solar surface for 14 years (1969–1982), a classification of BMF distributions in the form of synoptic maps, is proposed. That the low- and high-latitude BMF distributions are differing in character appears to be due to the difference in the character of the BMF rotation at low and high latitudes. It is shown that as low-latitude BMF details make contact with the high-latitude field of the same polarity, the former grow in area. The low- and high-latitude fields come into contact through high-latitude field details protruding into lower latitudes as far as 10 to 15 ° below 40 ° latitude, and they are referred to as bulges. Bulges and low-latitude fields of like polarity are moving with respect to each other along the E-W line at a mean rate of 10 to 15 ° per rotation. Bulges of the same polarity in the same hemisphere are moving with respect to each other 3–5 ° per rotation, on the average. The above-mentioned properties of the structure, interaction and rotation of the low- and high-latitude magnetic field details, taken together, provide a qualitative scheme for the formation and variation of the longitude-regular (sectoral) BMF distribution in the latitude range 40 S-40 N.     

Observations and Simulations of the Polar Field Reversals in Cycle 23

We have used observations obtained by the National Solar Observatory at Kitt Peak to study the reversals of the polar magnetic fields in Cycle 23. We have compared them with corresponding data obtained by the Mt. Wilson Observatory, when these are available, testing both data sets against the locations of H filaments. Because of the unreliability of the data at extreme latitudes and because the apparent time of reversal varies with the degree of smoothing applied to the data, it is difficult to determine precise reversal time in each hemisphere from direct observations. However, we show that it is possible to obtain a better-defined and more precise reversal time using polar maps derived from simulations of the synoptic fields. These indirect values, however, depend critically on the diffusivity used in the simulations. We applied various tests to confirm an empirical value for the diffusivity parameter of about 600 km ² s ^–1 and hence determined empirical reversal times of CR 1976 in the northern hemisphere and CR 1981 in the south.     

A comparison of type III metric radio bursts and global solar potential field models

We compare evidence of coronal magnetic fields from polarized metric type III radio bursts with (a) global potential field models, (b) direct averages of the observed photospheric magnetic field, and (c) H synoptic charts. The comparison clearly indicates both that the principal aspects of type III burst radiation are understood and that global potential field models are a significantly more accurate representation of coronal magnetic field structure than either the large-scale photospheric field or H synoptic charts.     

Polar Coronal Holes During Cycles 22 and 23

The National Solar Observatory/Kitt Peak synoptic rotation maps of the magnetic field and of the equivalent width of the He i 1083 nm line are used to identify and measure polar coronal holes from September 1989 to the present. This period covers the entire lifetime of the northern and southern polar holes present during cycles 22 and 23 and includes the disappearance of the previous southern polar coronal hole in 1990 and and formation of the new northern polar hole in 2001. From this sample of polar hole observations, we found that polar coronal holes evolve from high-latitude (60° ) isolated holes. The isolated pre-polar holes form in the follower of the remnants of old active region fields just before the polar magnetic fields complete their reversal during the maximum phase of a cycle, and expand to cover the poles within 3 solar rotations after the reversal of the polar fields. During the initial 1.2–1.4 years, the polar holes are asymmetric about the pole and frequently have lobes extending into the active region latitudes. During this period, the area and magnetic flux of the polar holes increase rapidly. The surface areas, and in one case the net magnetic flux, reach an initial brief maximum within a few months. Following this initial phase, the areas (and in one case magnetic flux) decrease and then increase more slowly reaching their maxima during the cycle minimum. Over much of the lifetime of the measured polar holes, the area of the southern polar hole was smaller than the northern hole and had a significantly higher magnetic flux density. Both polar holes had essentially the same amount of magnetic flux at the time of cycle minimum. The decline in area and magnetic flux begins with the first new cycle regions with the holes disappearing about 1.1–1.8 years before the polar fields complete their reversal. The lifetime of the two polar coronal holes observed in their entirety during cycles 22 and 23 was 8.7 years for the northern polar hole and 8.3 years for the southern polar hole.     

Topology of Magnetic Field and Coronal Heating in Solar Active Regions – II. The Role of Quasi-Separatrix Layers

The photospheric vector magnetic fields, H and soft X-ray images of AR 7321 were simultaneously observed with the Solar Flare Telescope at Mitaka and the Soft X-ray Telescope of Yohkoh on October 26, 1992, when there was no important activity in this region. Taking the observed photospheric vector magnetic fields as the boundary condition, 3D magnetic fields above the photosphere were computed with a new numerical technique. Then quasi-separatrix layers (QSLs), i.e., regions where 3D magnetic reconnection takes place, were determined in the computed 3D magnetic fields. Since Yohkoh data and Mitaka data were obtained in well-arranged time sequences during the day, the evolution of 3D fields, H features and soft X-ray features in this region can be studied in detail. Through a comparison among the 3D magnetic fields, H features and soft X-ray features, the following results have been obtained: (a) H plages are associated with the portions of QSLs in the chromosphere; (b) diffuse coronal features (DCFs) and bright coronal features (BCFs) are morphologically confined by the coronal linkage of the field lines related to the QSLs; (c) BCFs are associated with a part of the magnetic field lines related to the QSLs. These results suggest that as the likely places where energy release may occur by 3D magnetic reconnection, QSLs play an important role in the chromospheric and coronal heating in this active region.     

The reversal of the solar polar magnetic fields

The Mount Wilson synoptic magnetic data from CRs 1815 to 1866 are used to describe the reversal of the solar polar magnetic fields during the period May 1989–March 1993. These are compared with simulations based on the observed fields for CR 1815 using the flux transport equation. Simulations including the emergence of small bipoles with preferred poleward orientations are also described. It is shown that, while the former can provide a qualitative account of the evolution of the southern fields between CRs 1815 and 1860, only the latter can describe the evolution of the northern fields between CRs 1815 and 1865.     

The reversal of the solar polar magnetic fields

Observations of the first large-scale patterns of magnetic fields near the sunspot minimum of 1986 (the start of cycle 22) are presented using synoptic magnetic data provided by the National Solar Observatory and contour maps constructed from data provided by the Mount Wilson Solar Observatory. The latter are compared with simulated contour maps derived from numerical solutions of the flux transport equation using data from particular Carrington rotations as initial conditions.The simulated evolutions of the large-scale magnetic fields are qualitatively consistent with observed evolutions, but differ in several significant respects. Some of the differences can be removed by varying the diffusivity and the parameters of the large-scale velocity fields. The remaining differences include: (i) the complexity of fine structure, (ii) the response to differential rotation, (iii) the evolution of decaying active regions, and (iv) the emergence of new elements in the weak, large-scale fields independent of the evolution of the observed active regions.It is concluded that the patterns of weak magnetic fields which comprise the large-scale features cannot be formed entirely by the diffusive decay of active regions. There must be a significant contribution to these patterns by non-random flux eruptions within the network structure, independent of active regions.     

Solar noise storms and magnetic sector structures

A synoptic study of the occurrence and polarization of 160 MHz noise storms recorded at Culgoora during the current solar cycle shows that the storm sources occur in large unipolar cells extending >90° in solar longitude and 60° in latitude, with lifetimes of 1 yr. From solar maximum onwards these large cells stretch across the solar equator to form a longitudinal sector pattern reminiscent of that observed in the interplanetary magnetic field. Comparisons with published heliospheric current sheet simulations support this conclusion. The noise storms occur in the strong magnetic fields above large, complex, flare-active sunspots. Unlike most active regions, those associated with noise storms do not always have dominant sunspots as leaders. Rather, about one-third have the dominant sunspot as a follower. The dominant sunspot polarities tend to agree with the long-lived sector structure, implying that emerging magnetic flux occurs at preferred longtitudes on the solar surface.     

The reversal of the solar polar magnetic fields

It is a basic feature of the Babcock-Leighton model of the solar cycle that the polar field reversal is due to the diffusive decay and poleward drift of the active region fields. The flux from follower regions moves preferentially polewards in each hemisphere, where it cancels with, and then replaces, the previously existing polar fields. A number of workers have attempted to model this process by numerical solutions of the flux transport equation, which include the surface effects of supergranule diffusion, differential rotation and meridional flow, with conflicting results.Here we describe recent changes in the polar fields using synoptic magnetic data provided by the Mount Wilson Observatory, and compare them with simulations using the flux transport equation and based on the observed fields for Carrington rotation 1815. These changes include a part-reversal of the north polar field. It is shown that the evolution of the polar fields cannot be reproduced accurately by simulations of the diffusion and poleward drift of the emerging active regions at sunspot latitudes.Histograms of the distribution of the field intensities derived from the daily magnetograms obtained at the Kitt Peak Station of the National Solar Observatory provide independent evidence that flux is emerging at high latitudes and that this flux makes a contribution to the evolution of these patterns. This implies the presence of some form of sub-surface dynamo action at high latitudes.On leave from the School of Mathematics, University of Sydney.     

Fine Structures of Magnetic Field in Solar Quiet Region

In this paper, we present a time series of Fei 5250.2 Å photospheric filtergrams and corresponding magnetograms in a quiet region. The relationship between fine structures of granulation and magnetic fields is analyzed. It is found that although most bright filigree features in photospheric filtergrams are related to corresponding magnetic features, they are generally not cospatial. It is also found that some bright features and their corresponding photospheric magnetic fields show fast changes within several minutes.     

The formation of current sheets during the emergence of new magnetic flux from below the photosphere

Solar flares are frequently observed to occur where new magnetic flux is emerging and pressing up against strong active region magnetic fields. Since the solar plasma is highly conducting, current sheets develop at the boundary between the emergent and ambient flux, provided the two magnetic fields are inclined at a non-zero angle to one another.The present paper gives a simple two-dimensional model for the development of such sheets under the assumptions that no reconnection occurs and that the surrounding field remains a potential one. By using complex variable techniques, the position, orientation and shape of a current sheet may be determined, as well as the excess magnetic energy associated with it. Two examples are considered. The first, in which the ambient field is bipolar, may model new flux emergence near the edge of an active region, while the second example assumes a constant ambient field and may approximate the so-called fibril crossings which occur prior to some flares. In each case, the current sheets are curved, and the magnetic energy which is stored in excess of potential is sufficient to supply a solar flare when the sheets are long enough.     

Observations of the Polar Magnetic Fields During the Polarity Reversals of Cycle 22

The Mount Wilson synoptic magnetic data for the period September 1987 through March 1996 are completely revised and used to provide polar plots of the solar magnetic fields for both hemispheres. This period, from Carrington rotations 1793 to 1906, covers the reversals of the polar magnetic fields in cycle 22. Comparison of our plots with the presently available H filtergrams for this period shows that the polarity boundaries are consistent in these two data sets where they overlap. The Mount Wilson plots show that the polar field reversals involve a complex sequence of events. Although the details differ slightly, the basic patterns are similar in each hemisphere. First the old polarity becomes isolated at the pole, then shortly thereafter, the isolation is broken, and the polar field includes unipolar regions of both polarities. The old polarity then reclaims the polar region, but when the isolation of this field is established for a second time, it declines in both area and strength. We take the reversal to be complete when the old polarity field is no longer observed in the Mount Wilson plots. With this criterion we find that the polar field reversal is completed in the north by CR 1836, i.e., by December 1990, and in the south by CR 1853, i.e., March 1992.     

Numerical modeling of coronal mass ejections based on various pre-event model atmospheres

We examine how the initial state (pre-event corona) affects the numerical MHD simulation for a coronal mass ejection (CME). Earlier simulations based on a pre-event corona with a homogeneous density and temperature distribution at the lower boundary (i.e., solar surface) have been used to analyze the role of streamer properties in determining the characteristics of loop-like transients. The present paper extends these studies to show how a broader class of global coronal properties leads not only to different types of CMEs, but also modifies the adjacent quiet corona and/or coronal holes.We consider four pre-event coronal cases: (1) constant boundary conditions and a polytropic gas with = 1.05; (2) non-constant (latitude dependent) boundary conditions and a polytropic gas with = 1.05; (3) constant boundary conditions with a volumetric energy source and = 1.67; (4) non-constant (latitude dependent) boundary conditions with a volumetric energy source and = 1.67. In all models, the pre-event magnetic fields separate the corona into closed field regions (streamers) and open field regions. The CME's initiation is simulated by introducing at the base of the corona, within the streamer region, a standard pressure pulse and velocity change. Boundary values are determined using MHD characteristic theory.The simulations show how different CMEs, including loop-like transients, clouds and bright rays, might occur. There are significant new features in comparison to published results. We conclude that the pre-event corona is a crucial factor in dictating CMEs properties.     

Coronal Holes in Solar Cycles 21 to 23

We present identifications of coronal holes (CHs) from observations in the He?i 10?830 Å line made at Kitt Peak Observatory (from 1975 to 2003) and in the EUV 195 Å wavelength with SOHO/EIT (from 1996 to 2012). To determine whether a feature is a CH we have developed semi-automatic techniques for delineating CH borders on synoptic charts and for subsequent mapping of these borders on magnetic-field charts. Using these techniques, we superimposed CH borders on magnetic-field charts over the time interval from 1975 to 2012. A major contribution to the total area was made by high-latitude CHs, but in the declining phase of solar cycle 23, the contribution from low-latitude CHs increased substantially. Variations in the flux of Galactic cosmic rays and those in the inclination angle of the heliospheric current sheet followed the cyclic variations of CH areas. High-latitude CHs affect the properties of the solar wind in the ecliptic plane.