434 research outputs found
Photospheric Injection of Magnetic Helicity: Connectivity--based Flux Density Method
Magnetic helicity quantifies how globally sheared and/or twisted is the
magnetic field in a volume. This quantity is believed to play a key role in
solar activity due to its conservation property. Helicity is continuously
injected into the corona during the evolution of active regions (ARs). To
better understand and quantify the role of magnetic helicity in solar activity,
the distribution of magnetic helicity flux in ARs needs to be studied. The
helicity distribution can be computed from the temporal evolution of
photospheric magnetograms of ARs such as the ones provided by SDO/HMI and
Hinode/SOT. Most recent analyses of photospheric helicity flux derive an
helicity flux density proxy based on the relative rotation rate of photospheric
magnetic footpoints. Although this proxy allows a good estimate of the
photospheric helicity flux, it is still not a true helicity flux density
because it does not take into account the connectivity of the magnetic field
lines. For the first time, we implement a helicity density which takes into
account such connectivity. In order to use it for future observational studies,
we test the method and its precision on several types of models involving
different patterns of helicity injection. We also test it on more complex
configurations - from magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) simulations - containing
quasi-separatrix layers. We demonstrate that this connectivity-based helicity
flux density proxy is the best to map the true distribution of photospheric
helicity injection.Comment: Solar Physics, June 2013 (this is the version of the author, a
definitive version is now available in the online journal
Expanding and Contracting Coronal Loops as Evidence of Vortex Flows Induced by Solar Eruptions
Eruptive solar flares were predicted to generate large-scale vortex flows at
both sides of the erupting magnetic flux rope. This process is analogous to a
well-known hydrodynamic process creating vortex rings. The vortices lead to
advection of closed coronal loops located at peripheries of the flaring active
region. Outward flows are expected in the upper part and returning flows in the
lower part of the vortex. Here, we examine two eruptive solar flares, an
X1.1-class flare SOL2012-03-05T03:20 and a C3.5-class SOL2013-06-19T07:29. In
both flares, we find that the coronal loops observed by the Atmospheric Imaging
Assembly in its 171\,\AA, 193\,\AA, or 211\,\AA~passbands show coexistence of
expanding and contracting motions, in accordance with the model prediction. In
the X-class flare, multiple expanding/contracting loops coexist for more than
35 minutes, while in the C-class flare, an expanding loop in 193\,\AA~appears
to be close-by and co-temporal with an apparently imploding loop arcade seen in
171\,\AA. Later, the 193\,\AA~loop also switches to contraction. These
observations are naturally explained by vortex flows present in a model of
eruptive solar flares.Comment: The Astrophysical Journal, accepte
The magnetic field topology associated to two M flares
On 27 October, 2003, two GOES M-class flares occurred in the lapse of three
hours in active region NOAA 10486. The two flares were confined and their
associated brightenings appeared at the same location, displaying a very
similar shape both at the chromospheric and coronal levels. We focus on the
analysis of magnetic field (SOHO/MDI), chromospheric (HASTA, Kanzelhoehe Solar
Observatory, TRACE) and coronal (TRACE) observations. By combining our data
analysis with a model of the coronal magnetic field, we compute the magnetic
field topology associated to the two M flares. We find that both events can be
explained in terms of a localized magnetic reconnection process occurring at a
coronal magnetic null point. This null point is also present at the same
location one day later, on 28 October, 2003. Magnetic energy release at this
null point was proposed as the origin of a localized event that occurred
independently with a large X17 flare on 28 October, 2003, at 11:01 UT. The
three events, those on 27 October and the one on 28 October, are homologous.
Our results show that coronal null points can be stable topological structures
where energy release via magnetic reconnection can happen, as proposed by
classical magnetic reconnection models.Comment: 14 pages, 7 figure
First observational application of a connectivity--based helicity flux density
Measuring the magnetic helicity distribution in the solar corona can help in
understanding the trigger of solar eruptive events because magnetic helicity is
believed to play a key role in solar activity due to its conservation property.
A new method for computing the photospheric distribution of the helicity flux
was recently developed. This method takes into account the magnetic field
connectivity whereas previous methods were based on photospheric signatures
only. This novel method maps the true injection of magnetic helicity in active
regions. We applied this method for the first time to an observed active
region, NOAA 11158, which was the source of intense flaring activity. We used
high-resolution vector magnetograms from the SDO/HMI instrument to compute the
photospheric flux transport velocities and to perform a nonlinear force-free
magnetic field extrapolation. We determined and compared the magnetic helicity
flux distribution using a purely photospheric as well as a connectivity-based
method. While the new connectivity-based method confirms the mixed pattern of
the helicity flux in NOAA 11158, it also reveals a different, and more correct,
distribution of the helicity injection. This distribution can be important for
explaining the likelihood of an eruption from the active region. The
connectivity-based approach is a robust method for computing the magnetic
helicity flux, which can be used to study the link between magnetic helicity
and eruptivity of observed active regions.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures; published online in A&A 555, L6 (2013
Electric current in flares ribbons: observations and 3D standard model
We present for the first time the evolution of the photospheric electric
currents during an eruptive X-class flare, accurately predicted by the standard
3D flare model. We analyze this evolution for the February 15, 2011 flare using
HMI/SDO magnetic observations and find that localized currents in \J-shaped
ribbons increase to double their pre-flare intensity. Our 3D flare model,
developed with the OHM code, suggests that these current ribbons, which develop
at the location of EUV brightenings seen with AIA imagery, are driven by the
collapse of the flare's coronal current layer. These findings of increased
currents restricted in localized ribbons are consistent with the overall free
energy decrease during a flare, and the shape of these ribbons also give an
indication on how much twisted the erupting flux rope is. Finally, this study
further enhances the close correspondence obtained between the theoretical
predictions of the standard 3D model and flare observations indicating that the
main key physical elements are incorporated in the model.Comment: 12 pages, 7 figure
The origin of net electric currents in solar active regions
There is a recurring question in solar physics about whether or not electric
currents are neutralized in active regions (ARs). This question was recently
revisited using three-dimensional (3D) magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) numerical
simulations of magnetic flux emergence into the solar atmosphere. Such
simulations showed that flux emergence can generate a substantial net current
in ARs. Another source of AR currents are photospheric horizontal flows. Our
aim is to determine the conditions for the occurrence of net vs. neutralized
currents with this second mechanism. Using 3D MHD simulations, we
systematically impose line-tied, quasi-static, photospheric twisting and
shearing motions to a bipolar potential magnetic field. We find that such
flows: (1) produce both {\it direct} and {\it return} currents, (2) induce very
weak compression currents - not observed in 2.5D - in the ambient field present
in the close vicinity of the current-carrying field, and (3) can generate
force-free magnetic fields with a net current. We demonstrate that neutralized
currents are in general produced only in the absence of magnetic shear at the
photospheric polarity inversion line - a special condition rarely observed. We
conclude that, as magnetic flux emergence, photospheric flows can build up net
currents in the solar atmosphere, in agreement with recent observations. These
results thus provide support for eruption models based on pre-eruption magnetic
fields possessing a net coronal current.Comment: 14 pages and 11 figures (Accepted in The Astrophysical Journal
Numerical Simulation of Current Sheet Formation in a Quasi-Separatrix Layer using Adaptive Mesh Refinement
The formation of a thin current sheet in a magnetic quasi-separatrix layer
(QSL) is investigated by means of numerical simulation using a simplified
ideal, low-, MHD model. The initial configuration and driving boundary
conditions are relevant to phenomena observed in the solar corona and were
studied earlier by Aulanier et al., A&A 444, 961 (2005). In extension to that
work, we use the technique of adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) to significantly
enhance the local spatial resolution of the current sheet during its formation,
which enables us to follow the evolution into a later stage. Our simulations
are in good agreement with the results of Aulanier et al. up to the calculated
time in that work. In a later phase, we observe a basically unarrested collapse
of the sheet to length scales that are more than one order of magnitude smaller
than those reported earlier. The current density attains correspondingly larger
maximum values within the sheet. During this thinning process, which is finally
limited by lack of resolution even in the AMR studies, the current sheet moves
upward, following a global expansion of the magnetic structure during the
quasi-static evolution. The sheet is locally one-dimensional and the plasma
flow in its vicinity, when transformed into a co-moving frame, qualitatively
resembles a stagnation point flow. In conclusion, our simulations support the
idea that extremely high current densities are generated in the vicinities of
QSLs as a response to external perturbations, with no sign of saturation.Comment: 6 Figure
Topological Analysis of Emerging Bipole Clusters Producing Violent Solar Events
During the rising phase of Solar Cycle 24 tremendous activity occurred on the
Sun with fast and compact emergence of magnetic flux leading to bursts of
flares (C to M and even X-class). We investigate the violent events occurring
in the cluster of two active regions (ARs), NOAA numbers 11121 and 11123,
observed in November 2010 with instruments onboard the {\it Solar Dynamics
Observatory} and from Earth. Within one day the total magnetic flux increased
by with the emergence of new groups of bipoles in AR 11123. From all the
events on 11 November, we study, in particular, the ones starting at around
07:16 UT in GOES soft X-ray data and the brightenings preceding them. A
magnetic-field topological analysis indicates the presence of null points,
associated separatrices and quasi-separatrix layers (QSLs) where magnetic
reconnection is prone to occur. The presence of null points is confirmed by a
linear and a non-linear force-free magnetic-field model. Their locations and
general characteristics are similar in both modelling approaches, which
supports their robustness. However, in order to explain the full extension of
the analysed event brightenings, which are not restricted to the photospheric
traces of the null separatrices, we compute the locations of QSLs. Based on
this more complete topological analysis, we propose a scenario to explain the
origin of a low-energy event preceding a filament eruption, which is
accompanied by a two-ribbon flare, and a consecutive confined flare in AR
11123. The results of our topology computation can also explain the locations
of flare ribbons in two other events, one preceding and one following the ones
at 07:16 UT. Finally, this study provides further examples where flare-ribbon
locations can be explained when compared to QSLs and only, partially, when
using separatrices.Comment: 42 pages, 15 figure
Superposed epoch study of ICME sub-structures near Earth and their effects on galactic cosmic rays
Interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) are the interplanetary
manifestations of solar eruptions. The overtaken solar wind forms a sheath of
compressed plasma at the front of ICMEs. Magnetic clouds (MCs) are a subset of
ICMEs with specific properties (e.g. the presence of a flux rope). When ICMEs
pass near Earth, ground observations indicate that the flux of galactic cosmic
rays (GCRs) decreases. The main aims of this paper are to find: common plasma
and magnetic properties of different ICME sub-structures, and which ICME
properties affect the flux of GCRs near Earth. We use a superposed epoch method
applied to a large set of ICMEs observed \insitu\ by the spacecraft ACE,
between 1998 and 2006. We also apply a superposed epoch analysis on GCRs time
series observed with the McMurdo neutron monitors. We find that slow MCs at 1
AU have on average more massive sheaths. We conclude that it is because they
are more effectively slowed down by drag during their travel from the Sun. Slow
MCs also have a more symmetric magnetic field and sheaths expanding similarly
as their following MC, while in contrast, fast MCs have an asymmetric magnetic
profile and a compressing sheath in compression. In all types of MCs, we find
that the proton density and the temperature, as well as the magnetic
fluctuations can diffuse within the front of the MC due to 3D reconnection.
Finally, we derive a quantitative model which describes the decrease of cosmic
rays as a function of the amount of magnetic fluctuations and field strength.
The obtained typical profiles of sheath/MC/GCR properties corresponding to
slow, mid, and fast ICMEs, can be used for forecasting/modelling these events,
and to better understand the transport of energetic particles in ICMEs. They
are also useful for improving future operative space weather activities.Comment: 13 pages, 6 figures, paper accepted in A&
Photospheric flux density of magnetic helicity
Copyright © 2005 EDP Sciences. This article appeared in Astronomy & Astrophysics 439 (2005) and may be found at http://www.aanda.org/index.php?option=article&access=doi&doi=10.1051/0004-6361:20052663Several recent studies have developed the measurement of magnetic helicity flux from the time evolution of photospheric magnetograms. The total flux is computed by summing the flux density over the analyzed region. All previous analyses used the density GA (=−2(A•u)Bn) which involves the vector potential A of the magnetic field. In all the studied active regions, the density GA has strong polarities of both signs with comparable magnitude. Unfortunately, the density GA can exhibit spurious signals which do not provide a true helicity flux density. The main objective of this study is to resolve the above problem by defining the flux of magnetic helicity per unit surface. In a first step, we define a new density, Gθ, which reduces the fake polarities by more than an order of magnitude in most cases (using the same photospheric data as GA). In a second step, we show that the coronal linkage needs to be provided in order to define the true helicity flux density. It represents how all the elementary flux tubes move relatively to a given elementary flux tube, and the helicity flux density is defined per elementary flux tube. From this we define a helicity flux per unit surface, GΦ. We show that it is a field-weighted average of Gθ at both photospheric feet of coronal connections. We compare these three densities (GA, Gθ, GΦ) using theoretical examples representing the main cases found in magnetograms (moving magnetic polarities, separating polarities, one polarity rotating around another one and emergence of a twisted flux tube). We conclude that Gθ is a much better proxy of the magnetic helicity flux
density than GA because most fake polarities are removed. Indeed Gθ gives results close to GΦ and should be used to monitor the photospheric injection of helicity (when coronal linkages are not well known). These results are applicable to the results of any method determining the photospheric velocities. They can provide separately the flux density coming from shearing and advection motions if plasma motions are known
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