To crack the problem of the super-hot corona, the researchers focused their attention on the chromosphere. These different gases all exhibited vortex behavior, aligned with the same spot on the photosphere. The authors identified 14 vortices during a single minute observing run, which lasted for an average of about 13 minutes.
Based on these statistics, they determined the Sun should have at least 11, vortices on its surface at any given time, at least during periods of low sunspot activity. Due to the different wavelengths of light the observers used, they were able to map the shape and speed of the vortices as a function of height in the chromosphere. They found the familiar tornado shape: tapered at the base, widening at the top, reaching diameters of km. Each vortex was aligned along a single axis over a bright spot in the photosphere, which is the sign of a concentration of magnetic field lines.
With that hint, they ran a series of computer simulations including both gas and magnetic effects. They found the processes in the photosphere funneled the magnetic field lines into knots of high concentration, which rotate as the gas itself circulates.
This is known as the "bathtub effect," since it rotates in a similar way to the vortex produced in a draining tub of water. The intensity of the magnetic field in turn forces the gas in the chromosphere to follow a spiral trajectory up and away from the Sun's surface, speeding it up during the process. But astronomers think that this is only one of many ways in which the corona is heated.
The surface of the Sun is covered in magnetic fields. This is the force that makes magnets stick to metal, like the door of your refrigerator. The Sun's magnetic fields affect charged particles in the corona to form beautiful features.
These include streamers, loops, and plumes. We can view these features in detail with special telescopes. The corona extends far out into space. From it comes the solar wind that travels through our solar system. The corona's temperature causes its particles to move at very high speeds. These speeds are so high that the particles can escape the Sun's gravity. Conceptual animation not to scale showing the Sun's corona and solar wind. What Is the Sun's Corona? The Short Answer:.
These are large eruptions of material that originate in the solar corona. The study of these eruptions is quite important for our society.
If a large coronal mass ejection hits the Earth, it can cause a lot of disruption , such as power outages, loss of GPS signals, interruptions of radio communication and harm for air travellers and astronauts. However, going closer to the sun has already shown to be absolutely worth it. Those of us working in the field are very excited about the prospect that these measurements will soon help us crack the biggest mysteries of the sun — why the solar corona is so hot and how the solar wind is accelerated.
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