Large-scale patterns, complexes of solar activity and `active longitudes'.
Abstract
A description of the current state of observations of large-scale structures on the Sun is a main aim of presented review. Large-scale structures with characteristic dimension larger than a typical active region were found in different regions of the solar atmosphere, as well as, below the photosphere. Recently new information about the large-scale flows in convection zone up to solar photosphere related with concept of the expected giant cells and jets and show new relationship with different scales of the large-scale circulation. Large-scale velocities together with large-scale magnetic fields create physical base for the dynamo process, being responsible for forcing and transforming of the magnetic field in and below the photosphere. At the photosphere and chromosphere the occurrence of the active regions and complexes of activity is probably influenced from below, however their internal processes takes part on the production of eruptive and other active phenomena, influencing an outer parts of solar atmosphere. Large-scale background magnetic field distribution determines the structure and evolution of the filament channels, as well as, structure of the extended coronal loops, arcades, streamers, coronal holes and polar caps. It is possible to follow an extended relationship between the solar photosphere and the outer corona, as well as, between the sector structures of the interplanetary magnetic fields. Large-scale structures of the solar magnetic and velocity fields really represent the non-axially symmetric features on the Sun and provoke an extension of the still existing axially symmetric 2D models into new 3D concept.
- Publication:
-
IAU Joint Discussion
- Pub Date:
- August 2006
- Bibcode:
- 2006IAUJD...8E..53A