On the formation of active regions

Robert F. Stein, Åke Nordlund

67 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Magnetoconvection can produce an active region without an initial coherent flux tube. A simulation was performed where a uniform, untwisted, horizontal magnetic field of 1kG strength was advected into the bottom of a computational domain 48 Mm wide by 20 Mm deep. The up and down convective motions produce a hierarchy of magnetic loops with a wide range of scales, with smaller loops riding "piggy-back" in a serpentine fashion on larger loops. When a large loop approaches the surface, it produces a small active region with a compact leading spot and more diffuse following spots.

Original languageEnglish
JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters
Volume753
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)L13
ISSN0004-637X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2012

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