The two components in the distribution of sunspot groups with respect to their maximum areas
Abstract
The frequency distribution of sunspot groups as a function of maximum corrected group area is investigated in light of a phenomenological model of the solar cycle driven by two distinct sets of magnetic flux tube clusters. Analysis of the sunspot group distribution during the last eight solar cycles (1889-1976) according to data contained in the Greenwich Photoheliographic Results reveals the presence of a two-component distribution, with the first component contributing to spot groups of all possible areas and having a distribution density varying as the exponential of the square root of the area, and a second component contributing to spot groups of area less than 30 millionths of a hemisphere and having a density distribution varying as the exponential of the maximum area. Examination of the geometrical extents of the two components also reveals differences in their latitudinal distributions, supporting the existence of two families of flux tubes as predicted by the model.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Astrophysics and Astronomy
- Pub Date:
- December 1981
- DOI:
- 10.1007/BF02715547
- Bibcode:
- 1981JApA....2..365G
- Keywords:
-
- Distribution Functions;
- Frequency Distribution;
- Magnetic Flux;
- Solar Magnetic Field;
- Sunspots;
- Astronomical Models;
- Least Squares Method;
- Probability Density Functions;
- Solar Activity;
- Statistical Distributions;
- Sunspot Cycle;
- Solar Physics