The topology of force-free magnetic field near bipolar sunspots

The topological character of a new type of solution representing a force-free magnetic field near bipolar sunspots is examined. It is shown that some of the observed topological features of chromospheric fibrils and filaments in H can be interpreted in terms of the configuration of the magnetic lines of force of the present solution. In particular, by the examples considered the observed twisted S-shape topology of lower lying fibrils and the orientation of prominences (higher filaments) associated with sunspots are successfully reproduced.Visiting scientist at the High Altitude Observatory.The National Center for Atmospheric Research is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.