Disconnection of open coronal magnetic structures

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:5051333

McComas, D J; Phillips, J L; Hundhausen, A J; Burkepile, J T

We have examined the Solar Maximum Mission coronagraph/polarimeter observations for evidence of magnetic disconnection of previously open magnetic structures and a number of likely examples have been found. Probable coronal disconnections typically appear as pinching off of helmet streamers followed by the release and outward acceleration of a large U or V-shaped structures. The observed sequence of events is consistent with reconnection across the heliospheric current sheet between previously open magnetic field regions, and the creation of a detached magnetic structure which is open to interplanetary space at both ends. Sunward of the reconnection point, coronal disconnection events would return previously open magnetic flux to the Sun as closed field arches. Here we (1) describe one clear disconnection event (1 June 1989); (2) examine the results of a limited survey of disconnection events; and (3) discuss the potential importance of coronal disconnections for maintaining flux in interplanetary space. 7 refs., 3 figs.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: NASA; NSF; National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC (United States); National Science Foundation, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 5051333
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-91-3342; CONF-910915--2; ON: DE92002464; CNN: S55989; S55989A
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640104* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Solar Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ATMOSPHERES
HELIOSPHERE
IMAGES
MAGNETIC FLUX
MAGNETIC RECONNECTION
MAIN SEQUENCE STARS
POLARIMETERS
SOLAR ATMOSPHERE
SOLAR CORONA
STARS
STELLAR ATMOSPHERES
STELLAR CORONAE
SUN