A Method of Resolving the 180-Degree Ambiguity by Employing the Chirality of Solar Features |
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Authors: | S F Martin Y Lin O Engvold |
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Institution: | (1) Helio Research, 5212 Maryland Avenue, La Crescenta, CA 91214, USA;(2) Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1029, Blindern, 0315 Oslo, Norway |
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Abstract: | The 180-degree ambiguity in magnetic field direction along polarity reversal boundaries can be resolved often and reliably
by the chiral method. The chiral method requires (1) identification of the chirality of at least one solar feature related
to a polarity reversal boundary along which the field direction is sought and (2) knowledge of the polarity of the network
magnetic field on at least one side of the polarity reversal boundary. In the context of the Sun, chirality is an observable
signature of the handedness of the magnetic field of a solar feature. We concentrate on how to determine magnetic field direction
from chirality definitions and illustrate the technique in eight examples. The examples cover the spectrum of polarity boundaries
associated with filament channels and filaments ranging from those connected with active regions to those on the quiet Sun.
The applicability of the chiral method to all categories of filaments supports the view that active region filaments and quiescent
filaments are the extreme ends in a continuous spectrum of filaments.
The chiral method is almost universally applicable because many types of solar features that reveal chirality are now readily
seen in solar images accessible over the World Wide Web; also there are clear differences between left-handed and right-handed
solar structures that can be identified in both high- and low-resolution data although high-resolution images are almost always
preferable. In addition to filaments and filament channels, chirality is identifiable in coronal loop systems, flare loop
systems, sigmoids, some sunspots, and some erupting prominences. Features other than filament channels and filaments can be
used to resolve the 180-degree ambiguity because there is a one-to-one relationship between the chiralities of all features
associated with a given polarity reversal boundary.
Y. Lin is now at the Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo. |
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