Mechanism of spontaneous formation of stable magnetic structures on the Sun

Details Mechanism of spontaneous formation of stable magnetic structures on the Sun Mechanism of spontaneous formation of stable magnetic structures on the Sun

2010-04-13

arxiv.org/abs/1004.2288v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Solar and Stellar Astrophysics

13 pages, 4 figures, submitted to the Astrophysical Journal

Scientific paper

One of the puzzling features of solar magnetism is formation of long-living compact magnetic structures; such as sunspots and pores, in the highly turbulent upper layer of the solar convective zone. We use realistic radiative 3D MHD simulations to investigate the interaction between magnetic field and turbulent convection. In the simulations, a weak vertical uniform magnetic field is imposed in a region of fully developed granular convection; and the total magnetic flux through the top and bottom boundaries is kept constant. The simulation results reveal a process of spontaneous formation of stable magnetic structures, which may be a key to understanding of the magnetic self-organization on the Sun and formation of pores and sunspots. This process consists of two basic steps: 1) formation of small-scale filamentary magnetic structures associated with concentrations of vorticity and whirlpool-type motions, and 2) merging of these structures due to the vortex attraction, caused by converging downdrafts around magnetic concentration below the surface. In the resulting large-scale structure maintained by the converging plasma motions, the magnetic field strength reaches ~1.5 kG at the surface and ~6 kG in the interior; and the surface structure resembles solar pores. The magnetic structure remains stable for the whole simulation run of several hours with no sign of decay.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Mechanism of spontaneous formation of stable magnetic structures on the Sun does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Mechanism of spontaneous formation of stable magnetic structures on the Sun, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Mechanism of spontaneous formation of stable magnetic structures on the Sun will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-524842