Imaging solar coronal structures with TRACE
Abstract
The Transition Region and Coronal Explorer (TRACE) is revealing previously unknown structure and dynamics in the solar outer atmosphere. Extremely fine threads of emission are ubiquitous, and they are mostly inconsistent with the density and temperature structure predicted by standard hydrostatic models of closed loops. Unequal heating at the footpoints induces flows in the corona which in turn accounts for the observed properties of these structures. Detailed comparison of the footpoints with high resolution surface magnetic field observations indicates that the hot coronal plasma is not confined by the coronal magnetic field, although it is constrained by the field.
- Publication:
-
34th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002cosp...34E.131G