G. Csepura

Common evolution of adjacent sunspot groups

The evolution of two adjacent bipolar sunspot groups is studied using Debrecen full-disc, white-light photoheliograms and Hα filtergrams as well as Meudon magnetograms. The proper motions of the principal preceding spots of both groups show quite similar patterns; the spots move along almost parallel tracks and change the direction of their motion on the same day at almost the same heliographic longitude. Also, three simultaneous emergences of magnetic flux were observed in both groups. These observations support the idea that these adjacent sunspot groups were magnetically linked below the photosphere. Matching the extrapolated magnetic field lines with the chromospheric fibril structure appears to be different in the two groups since they indicate quite different model solutions for each group, i.e., a near-potential magnetic field configuration in the older group (1) and a twisted force-free field configuration in the younger group (2). The latter configuration could be created by a considerable twist of the main bunch of flux tubes in Group 2, which is reflected in the relative sunspot motions. It is also showed how this twist contributed to the formation of a filament between the two groups.

Sunspot motions and magnetic shears as precusors of flares

Abstract Using full-disc white light photoheliograms, we have studied umbrae motion and variations in sunspot areas in a large activity complex over 4 solar rotations. On the basis of the observational data we illustrate with typical examples to what extent rapid spot motions are associated with flare occurrences.

On the experimental determination of the north direction of a heliogram

A new method to determine the experimental north direction of a heliogram is suggested and a method of reduction for the measurements is given. The accuracy achievable by this method exceeds that generally used.