Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Oct 2003
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2003csss...12..613h&link_type=abstract
The Future of Cool-Star Astrophysics: 12th Cambridge Workshop on Cool Stars, Stellar Systems, and the Sun (2001 July 30 - August
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Sun, Spicules
Scientific paper
Numerous mechanisms have been suggested to drive spicules. Many of them need a careful fine-tuning of free parameters in order to achieve the basic characteristics, like velocity and height, of observed spicules. There might, however, be general physical mechanisms that control these properties. We show that whenever upper chromospheric plasma is exposed to a significantly non-hydrostatic pressure gradient, it starts moving upward at the observed speeds. The plasma can reach significant heights, at least if it receives some net chromospheric heating during the rising phase. Therefore, such a hydrodynamic mechanism might help other (magnetic) drivers to control the basic properties of spicules. We suggest therefore to consider a new class of spicule driving mechanisms, in which the plasma is not only accelerated by wave or magnetic forces from below, but also by the generation of a low pressure region above the chromosphere. Such a situation could arise e.g. due to an instability in magnetic loops or as a result of the reconfiguration of open field lines.
Hammer Reiner
Nesis Anastasios
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