Physics
Scientific paper
Jan 1991
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1991georl..18...73m&link_type=abstract
Geophysical Research Letters (ISSN 0094-8276), vol. 18, Jan. 1991, p. 73-76.
Physics
38
Current Sheets, Magnetic Field Configurations, Magnetic Field Reconnection, Solar Corona, Solar Magnetic Field, Heliosphere, Interplanetary Magnetic Fields, Magnetic Flux, Stellar Mass Ejection
Scientific paper
The solar maximum mission coronagraph/polarimeter observations are surveyed for evidence of magnetic disconnection of previously open magnetic structures and several sequences of images consistent with this interpretation are identified. Such disconnection occurs when open field lines above helmet streamers reconnect, in contrast to previously suggested disconnections of CMEs into closed plasmoids. In this paper a clear example of open field disconnection is shown in detail. The event, on June 27, 1988, is preceded by compression of a preexisting helmet streamer and the open coronal field around it. The compressed helmet streamer and surrounding open field region detach in a large U-shaped structure which subsequently accelerates outward from the sun. The observed sequence of events is consistent with reconnection across the heliospheric current sheet and the creation of a detached U-shaped magnetic structure. Unlike CMEs, which may open new magnetic flux into interplanetary space, this process could serve to close off previously open flux, perhaps helping to maintain the roughly constant amount of open magnetic flux observed in interplanetary space.
Burkepile Joan T.
Hundhausen Arthur J.
McComas David John
Phillips John Lynch
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