Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Mar 1997
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1997a%26a...319l..13r&link_type=abstract
Astronomy and Astrophysics, v.319, p.L13-L16
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
11
Sun: Sunspots, Sun: Random Magnetic Fields
Scientific paper
It is proposed that sunspots (and other flux emergence phenomena) originate due to the presence of fluctuating magnetic fields in addition to the regular, mean field in the convection zone. The mean field predicted by dynamo theories is too weak by itself to emerge at the surface of the Sun. However, the same dynamo processes that produce the mean field also produce fluctuating fields. It is suggested here that magnetic fields emerge at the solar surface at those random times and places when the total magnetic field (mean field plus fluctuations) exceeds the threshold for buoyancy. In this way the mean field is responsible for observed regularities of the sunspot magnetic fields, such as the Hale's law and the 11-year periodicity, and the fluctuations are responsible for emergence of the magnetic field of individual sunspots. A simple illustrative model calculation of a series of "sunspot cycles" is presented. The model spectrum compares well with the observed spectrum of sunspots.
No associations
LandOfFree
On the origin of sunspots. 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 On the origin of sunspots., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the origin of sunspots. will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1858147