The Strength of the Sun's Polar Fields.
Abstract
The magnetic field strength within the polar caps of the sun is an important parameter for both the solar activity cycle and for our understanding of the interplanetary magnetic field. Measurements of the line-of-sight component of the magnetic field generally yield 0.1 to 0.2 mT near times of sunspot minimum. Near sunspot maximum the field weakens and reverses polarity. At the present solar minimum, magnetic field strengths at latitudes above 60 deg are observed to be in the 0.0 to 0.2 mT range. A recent study concludes that the true field strength is unlikely to be more than twice the measured values, and that it is impossible that it could be greater than the measured line-of-sight values by more than a factor of five.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA054060
Entities
People
- Leif Svalgaard
- Philip Scherrer
- Thomas L. Duvall Jr.
Organizations
- Stanford University