EUV Analysis of Polar Plumes,
Abstract
Three polar plumes were studied using Skylab Mg X and O VI data. The plumes lie within the boundaries of a polar coronal hole. The mean temperature of the plumes is about 1,100,000 and they have a small vertical temperature gradient. Densities are determined and found consistent with white light analyses. The variation of density with height in the plumes is compared with that expected for hydrostatic equilibrium. As is the case for other coronal features, polar plumes will be a source of solar wind if the magnetic field lines are open. On the basis of the derived plume model and estimates of the numbers of plumes in polar coronal holes, it appears that polar plumes contain about 15% of the mass in a typical polar hole and occupy about 10% of the volume. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 03, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA043182
Entities
People
- George L. Withbroe
- Imad A. Ahmad
Organizations
- Harvard College Observatory