New characteristics of the solar cycle and dynamo theory

Based on an analysis of the observational data for solar cycles 12–23 (Royal Greenwich Observatory-USAF/NOAA Sunspot Data), we have studied various parameters of the “Maunder butterflies.” Based on the observational data for cycles 16–23, we have found that BT/Land S depend linearly on each other, where B is the mean magnetic field of the cycle, T is the cycle duration, S is the cycle strength, and L is the mean sunspot latitude in the cycle (the arithmetic mean of the absolute values of the mean latitudes in the north and south). The connection of the observed quantities with the α-ω-dynamo theory is discussed.     

Long-term oscillations of sunspots and a special class of artifacts in SOHO/MDI and SDO/HMI data

A specific type of artifacts (named as “p2p”), that originate due to displacement of the image of a moving object along the digital (pixel) matrix of receiver are analyzed in detail. The criteria of appearance and the influence of these artifacts on the study of long-term oscillations of sunspots are deduced. The obtained criteria suggest us methods for reduction or even elimination of these artifacts. It is shown that the use of integral parameters can be very effective against the “p2p” artifact distortions. The simultaneous observations of sunspot magnetic field and ultraviolet intensity of the umbra have given the same periods for the long-term oscillations. In this way the real physical nature of the oscillatory process, which is independent of the artifacts have been confirmed again. A number of examples considered here confirm the dependence between the periods of main mode of the sunspot magnetic field long-term oscillations and its strength. The dependence was derived earlier from both the observations and the theoretical model of the shallow sunspot. The anti-phase behavior of time variations of sunspot umbra area and magnetic field of the sunspot demonstrates that the umbra of sunspot moves in long-term oscillations as a whole: all its points oscillate with the same phase.     

Features of magnetic field structures in chemically peculiar stars. IV

We present results of modeling of the sample of magnetic stars. We have obtained such important for magnetic star physics parameters as the mean surface magnetic field B_s, the magnetic field at magnetic poles—B_p, the dipole inclination to the rotation equatorial plane α, and the distance to monopoles from the center of the star Δa. We present some information onmagnetic star physics that helps to understand the derived results better.     

Measurement of the longitudinal magnetic-field component for FU Ori

The Main Stellar Spectrograph of the 6-m Special Astrophysical Observatory telescope equipped with a polarimetric analyzer was used to measure the longitudinal magnetic-field component of FU Ori on January 24, 2002. The following (3σ) upper limits were obtained for the magnetic field B_‖: B_‖<350–400 G in the formation region of Fe I, Ni I, and Ca I absorption lines (disk + wind), and B_‖<200 G in the formation region of the absorption component of the Hα line with a P Cyg profile. We conclude that the strength of a large-scale magnetic field capable of collimating the disk wind does not exceed 300 G. For the region where the emission component of the Hα line is formed, we found that B_‖<100 G. Such a low value may have been obtained because the magnetic field lines in this region were almost perpendicular to the line of sight at the time of our observations.     

Results of magnetic field measurements of CP-stars performed with the 6-m telescope. III. Observations in 2009

We present the results of measuring longitudinal magnetic fields (B_e), rotation velocities (v_e sin i), and radial velocities (V_r) of 44 stars observed with the Main Stellar Spectrograph (MSS) of the 6-m BTA telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory in 2009. For the first time, magnetic fields were detected for the stars HD5441, HD199180, HD225627, and BD+00° 4535. We show that for the same stars, the longitudinal fields B_e measured from the Hβ hydrogen line core and from metal lines can differ by 10% and up to a factor of 2–3. Except in rare cases, magnetic fields measured from the metal lines are stronger. We believe that this phenomenon is of a physical nature and depends on the magnetic field topology and the physical conditions inside a specific star. Observations of standard stars without magnetic fields confirm the absence of systematic errors capable of introducing distortions into the longitudinal-field measurement results. In this work we comment on the results for each of the stars.     

Three three-dipole stars

We analyzed magnetic-field structures of three three-dipole magnetic stars HD 18078, HD 37776, and HD 149438. The fact that the model and observed phase dependences B _e (Φ) and B _s (Φ) for HD 18078 computed with the same parameters of the dipoles agree with each other shows conclusively that global magnetic structures are formed by dipole structures. Magnetic poles show up conspicuously on Mercator maps of the distribution of magnetic field, the field strength there is maximal and equal to B _p = 3577, 10 700, and 275Gin the three stars mentioned above.Dipolemodelsmake it possible to analyze magnetic-field structure inside stars.     

Structure of solar-wind streams at the maximum of solar cycle 23

We study the formation of solar-wind streams in the years of maximum solar activity 2000–2002. We use observations of the scattering of radio emission by solar-wind streams at distances of ～4–60R_S from the Sun, data on the magnetic field structure and strength in the source region (R ～ 2.5R_S), and observations with the LASCO coronagraph onboard the SOHO spacecraft. Analysis of these data allowed us to investigate the changes in the structure of circumsolar plasma streams during the solar maximum. We constructed radio maps of the solar-wind transition, transonic region in which the heliolatitudinal stream structure is compared with the structure of the white-light corona. We show that the heliolatitudinal structure of the white-light corona largely determines the structure of the solar-wind transition region. We analyze the correlation between the location of the inner boundary of the transition region R_in and the magnetic field strength on the source surface |B_R|. We discuss the peculiarities of the R_in = F(|B_R|) correlation diagrams that distinguish them from similar diagrams at previous phases of the solar cycle.     

Magnetic field of CP stars in the Ori OB1 association. II. HD36540, HD36668, HD36916, HD37058

We present the results of magnetic field measurements of four chemically peculiar (CP) stars with helium abundance anomalies which are the members of the Orion stellar association OB1. The stars under study were classified as magnetic by other authors earlier. The present paper contains the results of the extensive study of the stars. Magnetic field measurements allowed us to conclude that HD36540 has a weak field and the longitudinal component B _e does not exceed 500 G. The longitudinal field of HD36668 varies with the period P = 2_. ^d 11884 and the amplitude from ?2 to +2 kG. The magnetic field of HD36916 has mainly negative polarity and varies within the range from 0 to ?1 kG with the period P = 1.d 565238. HD37058 is a magnetic star, the longitudinal field of which varies from ?1.2 to +0.8 kG with the period P = 14_. ^d 659. The B _e field variability pattern for the stars HD36916 and HD37058 is of a simple harmonic type. The longitudinal field of HD36668 is best described with two combined harmonic functions (“a doublewave”). The variability period of HD36540 is still undetermined. For all the stars from this paper, we measured radial velocities V _r, axial rotation rates v _e sin i, and determined basic parameters of atmospheres (effective temperatures T _eff and gravity acceleration log g). We also estimated masses M, luminosities L, and radii R of the stars.     

Magnetic field and chemical composition of the peculiar star HD 10221

We analyzed the chemical composition of the chemically peculiar (CP) star HD 0221=43 Cas using spectra taken with the NES spectrograph of the 6-m telescope with a spectral resolution of 45 000. The Hβ line profile corresponds most closely to T_eff = 11 900 K and log g = 3.9. The rotational velocity is v_e sin i = 27 ± 2 km s^?1, and the microturbulence is ξ_t = 1 km s^?1. The results of our abundance determination by the method of synthetic spectra show that the star has chemical anomalies typical of SrCrEu stars, although its effective magnetic field is weak, B_e < 100 G. For silicon, we obtained an abundance distribution in atmospheric depth with a sharp jump of 1.5 dex at an optical depth of log τ₅₀₀₀ = ?0.3 and with silicon concentration in deep atmospheric layers. Similar distributions were found in the atmospheres of cooler stars with strong and weak magnetic fields. A comparison of the chemical peculiarities in HD 10221 with known CP stars with magnetic fields of various strengths leads us to conclude that a low rotational velocity rather than amagnetic field is the determining factor in the formation mechanism of chemical anomalies in the atmospheres of CP stars.     

Pulsations of microwave emission and flare plasma diagnostics

We consider the modulation of nonthermal gyrosynchrotron emission from solar flares by the ballooning and radial oscillations of coronal loops. The damping mechanisms for fast magnetoacoustic modes are analyzed. We suggest a method for diagnosing the plasma of flare loops that allows their main parameters to be estimated from peculiarities of the microwave pulsations. Based on observational data obtained with the Nobeyama Radioheliograph (17 GHz) and using a technique developed for the event of May 8, 1998, we determined the particle density n≈3.7×10¹⁰ cm^?3, the temperature T≈4×10⁷ K, and the magnetic field strength B≈220 G in the region of flare energy release. A wavelet analysis for the solar flare of August 28, 1999, has revealed two main types of microwave oscillations with periods P₁≈7, 14 s and P₂≈2.4 s, which we attribute to the ballooning and radial oscillations of compact and extended flare loops, respectively. An analysis of the time profile for microwave emission shows evidence of coronal loop interaction. We determined flare plasma parameters for the compact (T≈5.3×10⁷ K, n≈4.8≈10¹⁰ cm^?3, B≈280 G) and extended (T≈2.1≈10⁷ K, n≈1.2≈10¹⁰ cm^?3, B≈160 G) loops. The results of the soft X-ray observations are consistent with the adopted model.     

Which One is the ‘GNEVYSHEV’ GAP?

Gnevyshev [Solar Phys. 1, 107, 1967] showed that in solar cycle 19 (1954 –1965), the coronal line half-yearly average intensity at 5303 Å (green line) had actually two maxima, the first one in 1957 and the second in 1959–1960. In the present communication, the structures at solar maxima were reexamined in detail. It was noted that the two-peak structure of solar indices near sunspot (Rz) maxima was only a crude approximation. On a finer time scale (monthly values), there were generally more than three peaks, with irregular peak separations in a wide range of ～12± 6 months. The sequences were seen simultaneously (within a month or two) at many solar indices (notably the 2800 MHz radio flux) at and above the photosphere, and these can be legitimately termed ‘Gnevyshev peaks’ and ‘Gnevyshev gaps’. The open magnetic flux emanating from the Sun showed this sequence partially, some peaks matching, others not. In interplanetary space, the interplanetary parameters N (number density), V (solar wind speed), B (magnetic field) showed short-time peak structures but mostly not matching with the Rz peaks. Geomagnetic indices (aa, Dst) had peaked structures, which did not match with Rz peaks but were very well related to V and B, particularly to the product VB. The cosmic ray (CR) modulation also showed peaks and troughs near sunspot maximum, but the matching with Rz peaks was poor. Hence, none of these can be termed Gnevyshev peaks and gaps, particularly the gap between aa peaks, one near sunspot maximum and another in the declining phase, as this gap is qualitatively different from the Gnevyshev gap in solar indices.     

Two populations of sunspots and secular variations of their characteristics

We investigate the magnetic fields and total areas of mid- and low-latitude sunspots based on observations at the Greenwich and Kislovodsk (sunspot areas) and Mount Wilson, Crimean, Pulkovo, Ural, IMIS, Ussuriysk, IZMIRAN, and Shemakha (magnetic fields) observatories. We show that the coefficients in the linear form of the dependence of the logarithm of the total sunspot area S on its maximum magnetic field H change with time. Two distinct populations of sunspots are identified using the twodimensional H–log S occurrence histogram: small and large, separated by the boundaries log S = 1.6 (S = 40 MSH) and H = 2050 G. Analysis of the sunspot magnetic flux also reveals the existence of two lognormally distributed populations with the mean boundary between them Φ = 10²¹ Mx. At the same time, the positions of the flux occurrence maxima for the populations change on a secular time scale: by factors of 4.5 and 1.15 for small and large sunspots, respectively. We have confirmed that the sunspots form two physically distinct populations and show that the properties of these populations change noticeably with time. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis about the existence of two magnetic field generation zones on the Sun within the framework of a spatially distributed dynamo.     

Possible variability of the magnetic field of T Tau

Using the Main Stellar Spectrograph of the 6-m Special Astrophysical Observatory telescope equipped with a polametric analyzer, we measured the longitudinal magnetic field component B_∥ for the T Tauri stars T Tau and AS 507 on January 16 and 18 and February 15, 2003. For both stars, we determined only the upper limits on B_∥ from photospheric lines: +15±30 G for T Tau and ?70±90 G for AS 507. The magnetic field of AS 507 was not measured previously, while B_∥ for T Tau is lower than its values that we obtained in 1996 and 2002 (B_∥?150±50G), suggesting that the longitudinal magnetic field component in the photosphere of T Tau is variable. We also measured the longitudinal magnetic field component for T Tau in the formation region of the He I 5876 Å emission line. We found B_∥ in this region to be ?+650, ?+350, and ?+1100 G on January 16, 18, and February 15, 2003, respectively. Our observations on January 18 and February 15 correspond to virtually the same phase of the star's rotation period, but the profiles of the He I 5876 Å line differ markedly on these two nights. Therefore, we believe that the threefold difference between the B_∥ values on these nights does not result from observational errors. We discuss the possible causes of the B_∥ variability in the photosphere and the magnetosphere of T Tau.     

Oscillations of optical emission from flare stars and coronal loop diagnostics

Based on an analogy between stellar and solar flares, we investigate the ten-second oscillations detected in the U and B bands on the star EV Lac. The emission pulsations are associated with fast magnetoacoustic oscillations in coronal loops. We have estimated the magnetic field, B ≈ 320 G; the temperature, T ≈ 3.7 × 10⁷ K; and the plasma density, n ≈ 1.6 × 10¹¹ cm^?3, in the region of energy release. We provide evidence suggesting that the optical emission source is localized at the loop footpoints.     

Total sunspot area before 1875 (reconstruction)

Empirical functions approximating the dependences of total sunspot area A on relative sunspot number W and group sunspot number GN have been found. In the function A(W), allowance for its dependence on the secular activity cycle has been made; it is shown that this allowance is not needed for the function A(GN). The yearly mean A for 1700–1874 have been reconstructed using these functions and the available W and GN time series. Having supplemented the original data with archival observations, we have been able to reconstruct the monthly mean A _W since 1821. We discuss the causes of the systematic difference between the reconstructions using W and GN.     

Stars with Discrepant <Emphasis Type="Italic">v</Emphasis> sin <Emphasis Type="Italic">i</Emphasis> as Derived from the Ca II 3933 and Mg II 4481 Å Lines. VII. HD9531 (SB), HD31592 (SB2), HD129174 (SB?)

In this paper of the series we analyze three stars listed among stars with discrepant v sin i: HD9531 and HD31592, which also show radial velocity variations inherent to spectroscopic binaries, and HD129174 which is an Mn-type star with a possible magnetic field. In HD9531 we confirm the radial velocity derived fromthe hydrogen lines as well as fromthe Ca II line at 3933 Å as variable. The profile of the calcium line also appears variable, and with the estimated magnetic induction B_e = ?630 ± 1340 G, this suggests that the abundance of calcium possibly varies over the surface of the star. We identified the lines of the secondary component in the spectrum of HD31592 revealing thus it is an SB2 binary with B9.5V and A0V components. While the primary star rotates with v sin i = 50 km s^?1, the secondary star is faster with v sin i = 170 km s^?1. We find that only 60% of the Mn lines identified in the spectrum of HD129174 can be fitted with a unique abundance value, whereas the remaining lines are stronger or fainter. We also identified two Xe II lines at 5339.33 Å and 5419.15 Å and estimated their log g f.     

Structure of radio sources at wavelengths 10.5 and 12.0 cm from observations of the Solar eclipse on March 29, 2006

The eclipse observations were performed at the Laboratory of Radio Astronomy of the CrAO in Katsiveli with stationary instrumentation of the Solar Patrol at wavelengths of 10.5 and 12.0 cm. The data obtained were used to determine the brightness temperature of the undisturbed Sun at solar activity minimum between 11-year cycles 23 and 24: T _d10.5 = (43.7 ± 0.5) × 10³ K at 10.5 cm and T _d12.0 = (51.8 ± 0.5) × 10³ K at 12.0 cm. The radio brightness distribution above the limb group of sunspots NOAA 0866 was calculated. It shows that at both wavelengths the source consisted of a compact bright nucleus about 50 × 10³ km in size with temperatures T _b10.5 = 0.94 × 10⁶ K and T _b12.0 = 2.15 × 10⁶ K located, respectively, at heights h _10.5 = 33.5 × 10³ km and h _12.0 = 43.3 × 10³ km above the sunspot and an extended halo with a temperature T _b = (230–300) × 10³ K stretching to a height of 157 × 10³ km above the photosphere. The revealed spatial structure of the local source is consistent with the universally accepted assumption that the radiation from the bright part of the source is generated by electrons in the sunspot magnetic fields at the second-third cyclotron frequency harmonics and that the halo is the bremsstrahlung of thermal electrons in the coronal condensation forming an active region. According to the eclipse results, the electron density near the upper boundary of the condensation was N _e ≈ 2.3 × 10⁸ cm^?3, while the optical depth was τ ≈ 0.1 at an electron temperature T _e ≈ 10⁶ K. Thus, the observations of the March 29, 2006 eclipse have allowed the height of the coronal condensation at solar activity minimum to be experimentally determined and the physical parameters of the plasma near its upper boundary to be estimated.     

Magnetic configurations of streamer structures in the solar atmosphere

We consider two types of streamer structures observed in the solar atmosphere. Structures of the first type are medium-scale configurations with scale lengths comparable to the scale height in the corona, kT/mg = 100 thousand km, which appear as characteristic plasma structures in the shape of a dome surrounding the active region with thin streamers emanating from its top. In configurations of this type, gravity plays no decisive role in the mass distribution. The plasma density is constant on magnetic surfaces. Accordingly, the structure of the configurations is defined by the condition ψ = const, where ψ is the flux function of the magnetic field. Structures of the second type are large-scale configurations (coronal helmets, loops, and streamers), which differ from the above structures in that their scale lengths exceed the scale height in the corona. For them, gravity plays a decisive role; as a result, instead of the magnetic surfaces, the determining surface is BgradΦ = 0. We constructed three-dimensional images of these structures. Some of the spatial curves called “visible contours” of the B_r = 0 surface are shown to be brightest in the corona. We assume that the helmet boundaries and polar plumes are such curves.