The Inclination of Network Magnetic Fields
Abstract
We have observed the linear polarization of 21 bright grains of the photospheric network close to the disk center. The linear polarization of Fe I 6302.5 A was always lower than 1.9 x 10-3 (referred to continuum intensity). This level of linear polarization implies a very small magnetic field inclination with respect to the vertical, which we estimate below 10 deg. Our finding is in apparent disagreement with previous studies which claim large inclinations; however, it fulfills theoretical expectations. Plage regions close to sunspots might show inclination, but isolated network elements do not.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- April 1994
- DOI:
- 10.1086/173952
- Bibcode:
- 1994ApJ...424.1014S
- Keywords:
-
- Faculae;
- Iron;
- Linear Polarization;
- Magnetic Field Configurations;
- Photosphere;
- Solar Magnetic Field;
- Sunspots;
- Astronomical Polarimetry;
- Charge Coupled Devices;
- Error Analysis;
- Line Spectra;
- Spectrographs;
- Solar Physics;
- POLARIZATION;
- SUN: ACTIVITY;
- SUN: MAGNETIC FIELDS