The Magnetic Fields of Sunspots

At the beginning of this century was made a remarkable discovery – found magnetic fields of sunspots. The American astronomer George Hale, studying the spectrum of light reaching us from the region of the spot, found that sunspots have strong magnetic field. The strength of this field depends on the area of ​​the spot and major spots in the 6-8 thousand times the strength of the Earth’s magnetic field. Two spots, forming a group, have the opposite polarity. This group is similar to the protruding ends immersed in the depths of the Sun horseshoe magnet.

The strongest field is observed in the center of the spot, in the penumbra is weaker in the vicinity of sunspots decreases rapidly, and away from them only slightly stronger than Earth’s magnetic field. The existence of a magnetic field of sunspots, no doubt due to electric currents. Huge eddies moving plasma – this is an electric current. According to the calculations of astrophysicists to create a magnetic field observed in large patches, you must have a current of 1000 A billion!

Since modern technology has allowed astronomers to create optoelectronic device – sensitive solar magnetograph – magnetic fields of sunspots are under strict control of many observatories. In the USSR, the measurement of solar magnetic fields and are held at Moscow, and Leningrad, and in the Crimea and the Caucasus, and Eastern Siberia and the Far East. Magnetograph forced scientists to look afresh at the solar disk. Trying to unravel the mystery of solar magnetism, scientists have carefully studied the magnetic maps of the Sun. On this map there are high mountains (areas with a high magnetic field strength), Magnetic Island and the deep abyss. On magnetic cards, we now follow the birth and life of spots.

We know that where there is a magnetic field, it inhibits the output of hot ionized gas of the solar surface to the depths, and hence, in this place will be less heated photosphere. Here and there a black pit in the dazzling disk. But the magnetic field is not limited to the spot photosphere, it penetrates all the above – in the chromosphere and corona. Under the influence of this field vary greatly the properties of all layers of the solar atmosphere. Therefore, the spot and photospheric faculae become the center, over which and around which the hum of the sun. There is even a scientific term “active area”. Flares and plages exhibit the same variations in solar activity cycle, and that spot. In the years of maximum solar activity, the area of ​​flare maximum and the minimum in years – is minimal. Furthermore, the development of each group of spots from its birth until the moment of disappearance is accompanied by development associated with her torch. A strong magnetic field exists on the site of the missing spots are sometimes very long.