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Magnetic fields on the SunSynoptic observations of solar magnetic fields are discussed. Seen in long-term averages, the magnetic fields of the Sun show distinctive behavior. The active-region latitudes are characterized by magnetic fields of preceding polarity. The flow of following polarity fields to make up the polar fields is episodic, not continuous. This field motion is a directed poleward flow and is not due to diffusion. The total magnetic flux on the solar surface, which is related linearly to the calcium emission in integrated sunlight, varies from activity minimum to maximum by a factor of 2 or 3. Nearly all this flux is seen at active-region latitudes-only about 1% is at the poles. The total flux of the Sun disappears from the surface at a very rapid rate and is replaced by new flux. All the field and flux patterns that we see originate in active-region latitudes. The polar magnetic fields of the Sun were observed to change polarity recently. The variations of the full-disk solar flux are shown to lead to the proper rotation rate of the Sun, but the phase of the variations is constant for only a year or two at most.
Document ID
19830012591
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Howard, R.
(Carnegie Institution of Washington Washington, DC, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1981
Publication Information
Publication: Smithsonian Astrophysics Observatory 2nd Cambridge Workshop on Cool Stars, Stellar Systems, and the Sun, Vol. 1
Subject Category
Solar Physics
Accession Number
83N20862
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: N00014-81-C-0065
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-09-140-015
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-80-20445
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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