Sub-Pixel Magnetic Field and Plasma Dynamics Derived from Photospheric Spectral Data
Abstract
Current high-resolution observations of the photosphere show small dynamic features at the resolving limit during emerging flux events. However, line-of-sight (LOS) magnetogram pixels only contain the net uncanceled magnetic flux, which is expected to increase for fixed regions as resolution limits improve. Using a new method with spectrographic images, we quantify distortions in photospheric absorption (or emission) lines caused by sub-pixel magnetic field and plasma dynamics in the vicinity of active regions and emerging flux events. Absorption lines—quantified by their displacement, width, asymmetry, and peakedness—have previously been used with Stokes I images from SOLIS/VSM to relate line distortions with sub-pixel plasma dynamics driven by solar flares or small-scale flux ropes. The method is extended to include the full Stokes parameters and relate inferred sub-pixel dynamics with small-scale magnetic fields. Our analysis is performed on several sets of spectrographic images taken by SOLIS/VSM while observing eruptive and non-eruptive active regions. We discuss the results of this application and their relevance for understanding magnetic fields signatures and coupled plasma properties on sub-pixel scales.
- Publication:
-
AAS/Solar Physics Division Abstracts #48
- Pub Date:
- August 2017
- Bibcode:
- 2017SPD....4810104R