The Sun's global photospheric and coronal magnetic fields: observations and models

Duncan Hendry Mackay, Anthony Robinson Yeates

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

In this review, our present day understanding of the Sun's global photospheric and coronal magnetic fields is discussed from both observational and theoretical viewpoints. Firstly, the large-scale properties of photospheric magnetic fields are described, along with recent advances in photospheric magnetic flux transport models. Following this, the wide variety of theoretical models used to simulate global coronal magnetic fields are described. From this, the combined application of both magnetic flux transport simulations and coronal modeling techniques to describe the phenomena of coronal holes, the Sun's open magnetic flux and the hemispheric pattern of solar filaments is discussed. Finally, recent advances in non-eruptive global MHD models are described. While the review focuses mainly on solar magnetic fields, recent advances in measuring and modeling stellar magnetic fields are described where appropriate. In the final section key areas of future research are identified.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages63
JournalLiving Reviews in Solar Physics
Volume9
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2012

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