Solar wind generated by the sun is probably driven by a process involving powerful magnetic fields, according to a new study led by UCL researchers based on the latest observations from the Hinode satellite.
What generates those magnetic fields again? Electric currents of charged particles in motion? Double layers? Anode tufting?"However, our latest study suggests that it is the release of energy stored in solar magnetic fields which provides the additional driver for the solar wind. This magnetic energy release is most efficient in the brightest regions of activity on the Sun's surface, called active regions or sunspot groups, which are strong concentrations of magnetic field. We believe that this fundamental process happens everywhere on the Sun on virtually all scales."
Would a diagram look something like this?Images taken in February 2007 from the EIS instrument showed that hot plasma outflows are due to a process called slipping reconnection.
At the edges of active regions where this process can occur, a slow, continuous restructuring of the magnetic field leads to the release of energy and acceleration of particles in the Sun's hot outer atmosphere, known as the corona. Slipping reconnection is the first theory to explain how observed outflows from the Sun can be located over areas of a single magnetic sign, something previously considered improbable.
Crikey, now that's what burns my ass! There IS a theory that explains the observed outflows from the Sun, hell it explains everything about the Sun to the point of expecting particle acceleration in the corona, even a spherical/hourglass-like heliosphere and evidence of an associated energetic toroidal structure and gee whiz, guess what? The only theory that's spot on is being totally ignored.
But noooooo, it's back to the old reconnection myth, but not the typical, garden variety reconnection...no, now it's "slipping reconnection".
Bizarro world.
