Coronal Magnetometry

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Laurel A. Rachmeler

Contributor:

Sarah E. Gibson

Stephen M. White

Series:

Frontiers Research Topics

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource (172 p.)

Place of Publication:

Frontiers Media SA 2017

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Magnetism defines the complex and dynamic solar corona. It determines the magnetic loop structure that dominates images of the corona, and stores the energy necessary to drive coronal eruptive phenomena and flare explosions. At great heights the corona transitions into the ever-outflowing solar wind, whose speed and three-dimensional morphology are controlled by the global coronal magnetic field. Coronal magnetism is thus at the heart of any understanding of the nature of the corona, and essential for predictive capability of how the Sun affects the Earth. Coronal magnetometry is a subject that requires a concerted effort to draw together the different strands of research happening around the world. Each method provides some information about the field, but none of them can be used to determine the full 3D field structure in the full volume of the corona. Thus, we need to combine them to understand the full picture. The purpose of this Frontiers Research Topic on Coronal Magnetometry is to provide a forum for comparing and coordinating these research methods, and for discussing future opportunities.