Variability of the quiet photospheric network

High-resolution photographs of the photospheric network taken in the Caii K 3933 Å line and at 4308 Å are analysed in order to study the variation, in latitude and over the sunspot cycle, of its density (the density is defined as the number of network elements - also called facular points - per surface unity). It appears that the density of the photospheric network is not distributed uniformly at the surface of the Sun: on September 1983, during the declining phase of the current activity cycle, it was weakened at both the low (equatorial) and high (polar) active latitudes, while it was tremendously enhanced toward the pole. The density at the equator is varying in antiphase to the sunspot number: it increases by a factor 3 or more from maximum to minimum of activity. As a quantum of magnetic flux is associated to each network element, density variations of the photospheric network express in fact variations of the quiet Sun magnetic flux. It thus results that the quiet Sun magnetic flux is not uniformly distributed in latitude and not constant over the solar cycle: it probably varies in antiphase to the flux in active regions.The variation over the solar cycle and the latitude distribution of photospheric network density are compared to those of X-ray bright points and ephemeral active regions: there are no clear correlations between these three kinds of magnetic features.     

Observation of spatial and temporal variations in X-ray bright point emergence patterns

Observations of X-ray bright points (XBP) over a six-month interval in 1973 show significant variations in both the number density of XBP as a function of heliographic longitude and in the full Sun average number of XBP from one rotation to the next. The observed increases in XBP emergence are estimated to be quivalent to several large active regions emerging per day for several months. The number of XBP emerging at high latitudes also varies, in phase with the low latitude variation and reaches a maximum approximately simultaneous with a major outbreak of active regions. The quantity of magnetic flux emerging in the form of XBP at high latitudes alone is estimated to be as large as the contribution from all active regions.Harvard College Observatory/Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.     

The relationship between solar activity and coronal hole evolution

We examine the relationship between coronal hole evolution and solar active regions during the Skylab period. We find a tendency for holes to grow or remain stable when the activity nearby, seen as calcium plages and bright regions in X-rays, is predominantly large, long-lived regions. This is consistent with results of previous studies, using somewhat different methods. We also find that there is a significantly higher number of small, short-lived active regions, as indicated by X-ray bright points, in the vicinity of decaying holes than there is near other holes. We interpret this to mean that holes disappear at least in part because they become filled with many small scale, magnetically closed, X-ray emitting features. This interpretation, together with the previously reported observation that the number of X-ray bright points was much larger near solar minimum than it was during the Skylab period, provides a possible explanation for the disappearance of the large, near-equatorial coronal holes at the time of solar minimum.     

The three-dimensional structures of X-ray bright points

Recently, the Converging Flux Model has been proposed for X-ray bright points and cancelling magnetic features. The aim of this peice of work is to try and model theoretically specific X-ray bright points in the framework of the Converging Flux Model. The observational data used includes a magnetogram showing the normal component of the magnetic field at the photosphere and a high-resolution soft X-ray image from NIXT showing the brightenings in the lower solar corona. By approximating the flux concentrations in the magnetograms with poles of the appropriate sign and sense, the overlying three-dimensional potential field structure is calculated. Deduction of plausible motions of the flux sources are made which produce brightenings of the observed shape due to reconnection between neighbouring flux regions. Also the three-dimensional separarix and separator structure and the way the magnetic field lines reconnect in three dimensions is deduced.     

Using a Chandra Source-Finding Algorithm to Automatically Identify Solar X-ray Bright Points

We describe adapting a method that is used to find point sources in Chandra X-ray telescope data for use in finding solar X-ray bright points. The algorithm allows selected pixels to be excluded from the source-finding, thus excluding saturated pixels (from flares and/or active regions). For Chandra data the noise is determined by photon-counting statistics, whereas solar telescopes typically integrate a flux. Thus, the calculated signal-to-noise ratio is incorrect, but we find that we can scale the number to get reasonable results. We compare our source-finding to previous Yohkoh results and find a similar number of bright points. Finally, we analyze three sets of data from Hinode, representing different parts of the decline to minimum of the solar cycle. Although these preliminary results are based on a small sample, we see no dependence on the solar cycle.     

The calcium K-line network in coronal holes

Microphotometry of calcium K-line photographs in the regions of polar coronal holes shows that the chromospheric network exterior to a hole has a slightly broader intensity distribution than that inside the hole itself, a fact which can be attributed to a greater number of bright network elements outside the hole. These bright elements presumably represent the enhanced network resulting from the dispersal of magnetic flux from old active regions, a hypothesis which is consistent with current ideas of coronal hole formation.     

Identification and analysis of structures in the corona from X-ray photography

This paper summarizes the results of a program of rocket observations of the solar corona with grazing incidence X-ray telescopes. A series of five flights of a Kanigen-surfaced telescope with a few arc seconds resolution, together with the first flight of a newer telescope have resulted in the identification of six classes of coronal structures observable in the X-ray photographs. These are: active regions, active region interconnections, large loop structures associated with unipolar magnetic regions, coronal holes, coronal bright points, and the structures surrounding filament cavities. Two solar flares have been observed. The methods involved in deriving coronal temperature and density information from X-ray photographs are described and the analysis of a bright active region (McMath plage 11035) observed at the west limb on November 24, 1970 is presented as an example of these techniques.This paper originated in an invited talk presented by one of us (G.V.) at the COSPAR Symposium on High Resolution Astronomical Observations from Space, Seattle, Washington, June 29, 1971. In addition, it includes material presented at the three NASA OSO workshops, as well as more recent work.     

The correspondence between x-ray bright points and evolving magnetic features in the quiet sun

Coronal bright points, first identified as X-ray Bright Points (XBPs), are compact, short-lived and associated with small-scale, opposite polarity magnetic flux features. Previous studies have yielded contradictory results suggesting that XBPs are either primarily a signature of emerging flux in the quiet Sun, or of the disappearance of pre-existing flux. With the goal of improving our understanding of the evolution of the quiet Sun magnetic field, we present results of a study of more recent data on XBPs and small-scale evolving magnetic structures. The coordinated data set consists of X-ray images obtained during rocket flights on 15 August and 11 December, 1987, full-disk magnetograms obtained at the National Solar Observatory - Kitt Peak, and time-lapse magnetograms of multiple fields obtained at Big Bear Solar Observatory. We find that XBPs were more frequently associated with pre-existing magnetic features of opposite polarity which appeared to be cancelling than with emerging or new flux regions. Most young, emerging regions were not associated with XBPs. However, some XBPs were associated with older ephemeral regions, some of which were cancelling with existing network or intranetwork poles. Nearly all of the XBPs corresponded to opposite polarity magnetic features which wereconverging towards each other; some of these had not yet begun cancelling. We suggest that most XBPs form when converging flow brings oppositely directed field lines together, leading to reconnection and heating of the newly-formed loops in the low corona.     

X-ray Jets in Interconnecting Loops

We present examples of X-ray jets, observed by the Soft X-ray Telescope on board Yohkoh, which followed trajectories of transequatorial interconnecting loops (TILs). All these TILs were preexisting, seen some time before, but were mostly invisible at the time of the onset of the jet which often made them bright along their total length. With few exceptions, these TIL-associated jets have properties very similar to other jets ejected inside active regions or along open field lines (footpoints in X-ray bright points, recurrence, strong collimation, average speed close to 350 km s⁻¹), but may reach larger lengths, in our examples up to 450 000 km. Exceptions are one jet that moved slower and one that had no brightened area at its supposed source region at the time of its origin (an X-ray bright point appeared there only 3 hours later). It appears that quite a high number of X-ray jets may be of this TIL-associated kind. Supplementary material to this paper is available in electronic form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1014963812437     

与耀斑相关的磁场演化

本文利用紫金山天文台太阳光谱仪缝前附属Ｄａｙｓｔａｒ滤光器拍摄的，发生在ＮＯＡＡ５３９５活动区中的三个耀斑的Ｈα单色光资料，对比北京天文台怀柔观测站取得的光球磁场资料，研究耀斑产生位置与光球磁场演化的关系，结果表明：（１）在所研究的５０个耀斑亮核中，有３８个位于新浮磁流区附近，另有少数亮核出现在磁对消区；（２）耀斑亮核多集中在横场方向交叉，剪切角大的复杂磁区，耀斑后多数区域磁场结构简化；（３）耀斑     

A Comparative Analysis of Photospheric Bright Points in an Active Region and in the Quiet Sun

We present a comparative study of photometric and dynamic properties of photospheric bright points (BPs) observed at the disk centre in the active region (AR) NOAA 10912 and in the quiet Sun. We found that the average concentration of BPs is 54% larger in the AR than in the quiet Sun. We also measure a decrease of the BP concentration and an increase of their size moving away from the AR centre. However, these variations can be ascribed to the variation of the spatial resolution and image quality in the field of view of the AR dataset. We also found that BPs in the quiet Sun are associated with larger downflow motions than those measured within the AR. Finally, from our measurements of contrast and velocity along the line of sight, we deduced that BPs are less bright in high magnetic flux density regions than in quiet regions, due to a lower efficiency of convection in the former regions.     

Spatially resolved images and solar irradiance variability

The Sun is the primary source of energy that governs both the terrestrial climate and near-earth space environment. Variations in UV irradiances seen at earth are the sum of global (solar dynamo) to regional (active region, plage, network, bright points and background) solar magnetic activities that can be identified through spatially resolved photospheric, chromospheric and coronal features. In this research, the images of CaII K-line (NSO/Sac Peak) have been analysed to segregate the various chromospheric features. We derived the different indices and estimated their contribution from the time series data to total CaII K emission flux and UV irradiance variability. A part of the important results from this research is discussed in this paper.     

Short-term temporal variations of X-ray bright points

Skylab S-054 data have been used to examine the flux from X-ray bright points with 90 s time resolution. There is evidence of a steady heating input, similar to one reported for active region loops. Also observed are impulsive brightenings of bright points and rapid decays which are consistent with a sudden turn-off of the steady heating.     

Observation of a non-uniform component in the distribution of coronal bright points

The longitude distribution of X-ray bright points shows very strong variations when plotted in a heliocentric (Carrington) coordinate system. In addition, the latitude distribution can be interpreted as having two components : a uniformly distributed component and one having a distribution similar to that of active regions, occurring mostly within ±30° of the equator.     

The Solar Dynamo and Its Phase Transitions during the Last Millennium

Variations in total solar irradiance (TSI) correlate well with changes in projected area of photospheric magnetic flux tubes associated with dark sunspots and bright faculae in active regions and network. This correlation does not, however, rule out possible TSI contributions from photospheric brightness inhomogeneities located outside flux tubes and spatially correlated with them. Previous reconstructions of TSI report agreement with radiometry that seems to rule out significant “extra-flux-tube” contributions. We show that these reconstructions are more sensitive to the facular contrasts used than has been generally recognized. Measurements with the Solar Bolometric Imager (SBI) provide the first reliable support for the relatively high, wide-band, disk-center contrasts required to produce 10% rms agreement. Longer term bolometric imaging will be required to determine whether the small but systematic TSI residuals we see here are caused by remaining errors in spot and facular areas and contrasts or by extra-flux-tube brightness structures such as bright rings around sunspots or “convective stirring” around active regions.     

The Big Bear Solar Observatory Ca II K‐line index for solar cycle 23

We present an analysis of 2634 Ca II K‐line full‐disk filtergrams obtained with the 15‐cm aperture photometric full‐disk telescope at Big Bear Solar Observatory during the period from 1996 January 1 to 2005 October 24. Using limb darkening corrected and contrast enhanced filtergrams, solar activity indices were derived, which are sensitive to the 11‐year solar activity cycle and 27‐day rotational period of plages around active regions and the bright chromospheric network. The present work extends an earlier study (solar cycle 22), which was based on video data. The current digital data are of much improved quality with higher spatial resolution and a narrower passband ameliorating photometric accuracy. The time series of chromospheric activity indices cover most of solar cycle 23. One of the most conspicuous features of the Ca II K indices is the secondary maximum in late 2001/early 2002 after an initial decline of chromospheric activity during the first half of 2001. We conclude that a secular trend exists in the Ca II K indices, which has its origin in the bright chromospheric network and brightenings related to decaying active regions. Superposed on this secular trend are the signatures of recurring, long‐lived active regions, which are clusters of persistent and continuously emerging magnetic flux. Such features are less visible, when the activity belts on both side of the equator are devoid of the brightenings related to decaying active regions as was the case in October/November 2003 at a time when a superactivity complex including several naked‐eye sunspots emerged (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The Characteristic Sizes of the Sunspots and Pores in Solar Cycle 24

Recent dedicated Hinode polar region campaigns revealed the presence of concentrated kilogauss patches of the magnetic field in the polar regions of the Sun, which are also shown to be correlated with facular bright points at the photospheric level. In this work, we demonstrate that this spatial intermittency of the magnetic field persists even up to the chromospheric heights. The small-scale bright elements visible in the bright network lanes of the solar network structure as seen in the Ca ii H images are termed network bright points. We use special Hinode campaigns devoted to the observation of polar regions of the Sun to study the polar network bright points during the phase of the last extended solar minimum. We use Ca ii H images of chromosphere observed by the Solar Optical Telescope. For magnetic field information, level-2 data of the spectro-polarimeter is used. We observe a considerable association between the polar network bright points and magnetic field concentrations. The intensity of such bright points is found to be correlated well with the photospheric magnetic field strength underneath with a linear relation existing between them.

     

Magnetic properties of x-ray bright points

Using high resolution KPNO magnetograms and sequences of simultaneous S-054 soft X-ray solar images we have compared the properties of X-ray bright points (XBP) and ephemeral active regions (ER). All XBP appear on the magnetograms as bipolar features, except for very newly emerged or old and decayed XBP. We find that the separation of the magnetic bipoles increases with the age of the XBP, with an average emergence growth rate of 2.2 ± 0.4 km s^–1. The total magnetic flux in a typical XBP living about 8 hr is found to be 2 x 10¹⁹ Mx. A proportionality is found between XBP lifetime and total magnetic flux, equivalent to 10²⁰ Mx per day of lifetime.Operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. under contract with the National Science Foundation.     

Ephemeral region flares and the diffusion of the network

The flare-like events which are frequently seen in H in apparently quiet regions of the solar disk can in all cases be identified with bipolar features (ephemeral regions, ER) on magnetograms. These events represent the H counterpart of X-ray bright point flares.Statistically, this phenomenon is associated with the proximity of the bipolar features to the super-granulation network, in the sense that an ER is likely to flare during its lifetime if the distance to the nearest network element is less than or equal to its own pole separation. This conclusion is supported by direct study of time sequences of magnetograms and H pictures, which manifest the interaction of ER with the supergranulation network. The flare-like brightenings in some examples occurred in the region of interaction between network flux and one pole of the ER.The consequence of this interaction is that small quantities of network flux are transported over distances of the order of the ER pole separations. This may have an important effect on the long-term diffusion of magnetic flux.