A Geometrical Height Scale for Sunspot Penumbrae

Puschmann, K. G.; Ruiz Cobo, B.; Martínez-Pillet, V.
Bibliographical reference

The Astrophysical Journal, Volume 720, Issue 2, pp. 1417-1431 (2010).

Advertised on:
9
2010
Number of authors
3
IAC number of authors
3
Citations
43
Refereed citations
39
Description
Inversions of spectropolarimetric observations of penumbral filaments deliver the stratification of different physical quantities in an optical depth scale. However, without establishing a geometrical height scale, their three-dimensional geometrical structure cannot be derived. This is crucial in understanding the correct spatial variation of physical properties in the penumbral atmosphere and to provide insights into the mechanism capable of explaining the observed penumbral brightness. The aim of this work is to determine a global geometrical height scale in the penumbra by minimizing the divergence of the magnetic field vector and the deviations from static equilibrium as imposed by a force balance equation that includes pressure gradients, gravity, and the Lorentz force. Optical depth models are derived from the inversion of spectropolarimetric data of an active region observed with the Solar Optical Telescope on board the Hinode satellite. We use a genetic algorithm to determine the boundary condition for the inference of geometrical heights. The retrieved geometrical height scale permits the evaluation of the Wilson depression at each pixel and the correlation of physical quantities at each height. Our results fit into the uncombed penumbral scenario, i.e., a penumbra composed of flux tubes with channeled mass flow and with a weaker and more horizontal magnetic field as compared with the background field. The ascending material is hotter and denser than their surroundings. We do not find evidence of overturning convection or field-free regions in the inner penumbral area analyzed. The penumbral brightness can be explained by the energy transfer of the ascending mass carried by the Evershed flow, if the physical quantities below z = -75 km are extrapolated from the results of the inversion.
Related projects
Solar Eruption
Numerical Simulation of Astrophysical Processes

The general aim of this project is the investigation of astrophysical processes through the use of state­of­the­art numerical codes on massively parallel computers. More specifically, the research in many astrophysical fields requires an understanding of gas dynamical, magnetic, radiative transfer and gravitational phenomena not accessible to

Project Image
Solar and Stellar Magnetism

Magnetic fields are at the base of star formation and stellar structure and evolution. When stars are born, magnetic fields brake the rotation during the collapse of the mollecular cloud. In the end of the life of a star, magnetic fields can play a key role in the form of the strong winds that lead to the last stages of stellar evolution. During

Tobías
Felipe García