Net circular polarization of sunspot penumbrae - A versatile tool for diagnosing magnetic field structure

Daniel A.N. Muller, R. Schlichenmaier, G. Fritz, C. Beck

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference paperConference paper

Abstract

Sunspot penumbrae harbor highly structured magnetic fields and flows. The moving flux tube model (Schlichenmaier et al. 1998) offers an explanation for several observed phenomena, e.g. the Evershed effect and bright penumbral grains. In this work, we present a generalized 3D model that embeds an arbitrarily shaped flux tube in a stratified magnetized atmosphere. The new model is a versatile tool to calculate the spectral signature of flux tubes in the penumbra and especially make predictions about the flow speed and tube inclination from observed maps of the net circular polarization (NCP). As a first result, we find that the inclination of downflows in the outer penumbra must be shallower than approximately 15°.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of SOHO-17
Subtitle of host publication10 Years of SOHO and Beyond
Edition617
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2006
Externally publishedYes
EventSOHO-17: 10 Years of SOHO and Beyond - Sicily, Italy
Duration: 7 May 200612 May 2006

Publication series

NameEuropean Space Agency, (Special Publication) ESA SP
Number617
ISSN (Print)0379-6566

Conference

ConferenceSOHO-17: 10 Years of SOHO and Beyond
Country/TerritoryItaly
CitySicily
Period7/05/0612/05/06

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