Bibcode
Kostik, R. I.; Khomenko, E. V.
Bibliographical reference
Astronomy and Astrophysics, Volume 476, Issue 1, December II 2007, pp.341-347
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12
2007
Journal
Citations
18
Refereed citations
17
Description
Aims:The aim of this paper is to analyze the thermal properties,
oscillatory, and flow motions of a bright, long-lasting feature observed
in solar granulation, which we call the plume. Methods: We used
the spectral observations of quiet granulation at solar disc center,
including the two Fe II 5234 and Fe I 6393 Å lines recorded
simultaneously at the German Vacuum Tower telescope in Tenerife. The
recorded data revealed a stable, bright structure of 3-4 arcsec size
present during the whole 2.5 h of observations. We compare the velocity
fields extracted by means of a λ-meter method and temperature and
pressure stratification obtained after inversion of the profiles related
to granules, intergranular lanes, and the plume. Results: The
following results were obtained: (i) the correlation between variations
in convective velocity and intensity in the plume is close to zero at
all observed heights; (ii) the velocity flow in the plume changes from a
downflow in the deep layers to an upflow in the upper layers; (iii) the
brightness of the plume increases with height; (iv) the amplitudes of
the five-minute oscillations of intensity and velocity are twice lower
in the plume than outside, and vertically propagating waves are
observed; (v) the plume is hotter and denser than the quiet Sun in the
upper photosphere. Conclusions: We conclude that the observed
phenomenon has a non-convective origin. The decrease in the amplitudes
of oscillations in the plume cannot be attributed to the higher density
in comparison to the surrounding atmosphere. Along with other findings,
this indicates the possible presence of magnetic field.