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  • Access by Xinjiang University

On the Theory of the Solar Corona

E. O. Hulburt

  • Naval Research Laboratory

Phys. Rev. 35, 1379 – Published 1 June, 1930

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.35.1379

Abstract

The outer atmosphere of the sun is assumed to be composed mainly of ions and electrons which are actuated by gravitation, radiation pressure and the magnetic field of the sun. By distillation along the lines of magnetic force the particles collect in the lower latitudes of the solar outer atmosphere and by their diamagnetism reduce the magnetic field approximately to zero in this region, leaving a stray field at the poles. Thus the polar plumes, prominent during sun-spot minima, are regarded as owing their form to the magnetic field of the sun. Whereas the wide spreading structureless coronal luminosity extending out from the lower latitudes is due to an accumulation of ionization which reduces the magnetic field to a low value and permits the radiation to blow the particles out to great distances. During maximum solar activity there is sufficient ionization of the outer atmosphere to reduce the magnetic field to a low value even at the poles, and hence the outer atmospheric spray extends roughly equally in all directions, in accord with the appearance of the corona.

References (11)

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