Solar magnetic fields and the corona

Abstract

Results from a seminar on the role of solar magnetic fields in determining the structure of the corona and interplanetary medium are presented. Some topics considered are: (1) polar regions of the sun which have identical magnetic configurations but display a vastly different appearance in the corona, (2) the influence of latitude on coronal and interplanetary microstructure, and (3) the role of the corona in contributing to the solar wind. It is proposed that an out-of-the-ecliptic solar probe mission would provide needed information on the above topics, and the study of solar activity in general.