Gordon Newkirk

MAGNETIC FIELDS AND THE STRUCTURE OF THE SOLAR CORONA. I. METHODS OF CALCULATING CORONAL FIELDS.

Several different mathematical methods are described which use the observed line-of-sight component of the photospheric magnetic field to determine the magnetic field of the solar corona in the current-free (or potential-field) approximation. Discussed are (1) a monopole method, (2) a Legendre polynomial expansion assuming knowledge of the radial photospheric magnetic field, (3) a Legendre polynomial expansion obtained from the line-of-sight photospheric field by a least-meansquare technique, (4) solar wind simulation by zero-potential surfaces in the corona, (5) corrections for the missing flux due to magnetograph saturation. We conclude (1) that the field obtained from the monopole method is not consistent with the given magnetic data because of non-local effects produced by monopoles on a curved surface, (2) that the field given by a Legendre polynomial (which is fitted to the measured line-of-sight magnetic field) is a rigorous and self-consistent solution with respect to the available data, (3) that it is necessary to correct for the saturation of the magnetograph (at about 80 G) because fields exceeding 80 G provide significant flux to the coronal field, and (4) that a zero-potential surface at 2.5 solar radii can simulate the effect of the solar wind on the coronal magnetic field.

FLARE-PRODUCED CORONAL MHD-FAST-MODE WAVEFRONTS AND MORETON'S WAVE PHENOMENON

The propagation characteristics of MHD fast-mode disturbances, which can emanate from flare regions, are computed for realistic conditions of the solar corona at the times of particular flares. The path of a fast-mode disturbance is determined by the large-scale (global) coronal distributions of magnetic field and density, and can be computed by a general raytracing procedure (eikonal equation) adapted to MHD. We use the coronal (electron) density distribution calculated from daily K-coronameter data, and the coronal magnetic field calculated under the current-free approximation from magnetograph measurements of the photospheric magnetic field. We compare the path and time-development of an MHD fast-mode wavefront emitted from the flare region (as calculated from a realistic model corona for the day of the observed Moreton wave event) with actual observations of the Moreton wave event, and find that the Moreton wave can be identified with the rapidly moving intersection of the coronal fast-mode wavefront and the chromosphere (as hypothesized in our previous paper); the directivity (anisotropic propagation), as well as other characteristics of the propagation of the Moreton wave can be successfully explained.

Reduction of Scattered Light in the Coronagraph

The development of balloon and rocket vehicles provides opportunity for nearly continuous observation of those parts of the solar corona remote from the sun. This opportunity places new requirements on the freedom of the coronagraph from scattered light. Several possible means of improving the coronagraph are described. It is found that the available optical media do not permit a significant reduction in the scattered light in the ordinary coronagraph. The reflecting coronagraph and the simple, externally occulted coronagraph can be made freer of scattered light by from one to more than two orders of magnitude, respectively, than the Lyot coronagraph. The use of the apodized, external, occulting disk developed by several investigators can reduce the scattered light by at least three orders of magnitude so that the instrumental background is similar to the skylight encountered during total eclipse.

On the expected performance of a solar oscillation network

We have estimated the performance of several hypothetical ground-based networks intended to provide continuous observations of solar oscillations for one year. These networks were composed of from 2 to 6 stations distributed both in longitude and between the northern and southern hemispheres. Weather patterns at each site were simulated using a 4 parameter climate model and the results analyzed to yield the duty cycle of the representative networks.The results indicate that a 2 station network might achieve a 60% annual mean duty cycle, 3 stations might provide 75%, 4 stations might yield 82%, and 6 stations might give a 93% annual mean duty cycle. Comparison of an existing 6 station network with our model of the same network suggests that the modelling procedure is realistic provided that the estimates of the climate parameters are accurate.To illustrate the influence of such networks on observations of solar oscillations, we have created a synthetic time-line of solar velocities from published data and analyzed the power spectrum of the signal as ‘observed’ by various networks.

Tabulation of the harmonic coefficients of the solar magnetic fields

Tables of spherical harmonic coefficients for the global photospheric magnetic field between 1959 and 1974 are now available on microfilm. (These are the same coefficients which were used to construct the maps of the coronal magnetic atlas.)

Coronal Magnetic Fields and Energetic Particles

Magnetic fields in coronal and interplanetary space play a critical role in the propagation and storage of energetic particles from the flare site to 1 AU. The current investigation is designed to determine if the detailed configuration of the coronal magnetic fields below 2.5 R⊙ has a measurable influence on the escape of particles to 1 AU, can account for the observed broad longitudinal distribution of proton flares, and can provide a realistic site for storage of energetic particles.

Time Evolution of the Large-Scale Solar Magnetic Field

The six years of data from the Mt. Wilson Magnetic Atlas were analyzed in terms of surface harmonics. Between 1959 and 1962 the dominant harmonic corresponded to a dipole lying in the plane of the equator (2 sectors). There was also a significant zonal harmonic in which both solar poles had the same magnetic polarity, opposite to that at the equator. From the end of 1962 through 1964, the harmonic corresponding to 4 sectors was dominant. In 1965 and 1966, the harmonic of the north-south dipole became significant.

Radar studies of the non-spherically symmetric solar corona

We review the results of radar studies of the Sun made at El Campo, Texas 1961–69 with particular emphasis on the record of observed solar radar cross sections. Using ray traces which include the effects of refraction, absorption, and scattering in non-spherically symmetric models of the corona, we investigate the role of focusing by large-scale coronal geometries in enhancing the radar cross section. We find that certain coronal geometries (e.g. disk-center coronal holes) can, in principle, significantly increase the radar cross section. However the observations of large cross sections do not correspond very well with periods when such large-scale focusing geometries existed in the corona. We conclude that the present dataset does not support the hypothesis that radar observations of the Sun will be useful in determining the properties of large-scale coronal features.

What accelerator mass spectrometry can do for solar physics

Abstract We review some of the empirical aspects of the solar magnetic activity and the convective dynamo models developed to account for the magnetic cycle. Alternative hypotheses which have recently emerged are sketched. Possible applications of accelerator mass spectrometry to solar physics and the important questions that proxy data on past solar activity might answer are evaluated.

An observation of prominence condensation out of a coronal void

Photographic averaging of cine-camera data-frames from the 7 March 1970 eclipse provided a record of the inner white light corona with unusually high resolution for low-contrast features. We report that a coronal void, similar to high corona structures associated with prominence formation (MacQueen et al., 1983), extended low into the corona. During eclipse totality, a coronal rain prominence condensed from the base of the void.