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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 91 records · Page 5
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NASA NTRS2001

Acceleration of the Fast Solar Wind by Solitary Waves in Coronal Holes

The purpose of this investigation is to develop a new model for the acceleration of the fast solar wind by nonlinear. time-dependent multidimensional MHD simulations of waves in solar coronal holes. Preliminary computational studies indicate that nonlinear waves are generated in coronal holes by torsional Alfv\'{e}n waves. These waves in addition to thermal conduction may contribute considerably to the accelerate the solar wind. Specific goals of this proposal are to investigate the generation of nonlinear solitary-like waves and their effect on solar wind acceleration by numerical 2.5D MHD simulation of coronal holes with a broad range of plasma and wave parameters; to study the effect of random disturbances at the base of a solar coronal hole on the fast solar wind acceleration with a more advanced 2.5D MHD model and to compare the results with the available observations; to extend the study to a full 3D MHD simulation of fast solar wind acceleration with a more realistic model of a coronal hole and solar boundary conditions. The ultimate goal of the three year study is to model the, fast solar wind in a coronal hole, based on realistic boundary conditions in a coronal hole near the Sun, and the coronal hole structure (i.e., density, temperature. and magnetic field geometry,) that will become available from the recently launched SOHO spacecraft.

Ofman, Leon↗
NASA NTRS1976

High-latitude observations of solar wind streams and coronal holes

Interplanetary scintillation observations of the solar wind velocity during 1973 and the first part of 1974 reveal several corotating high-speed streams. These streams, of heliographic latitudes from +40 deg to -60 deg, have been mapped back to the vicinity of the sun and have been compared with coronal holes identified in wide band XUV solar images taken during the manned portions of the Skylab mission. There is some evidence that the high-speed streams are preferentially associated with coronal holes and that they can spread out from the hole boundaries up to about 20 deg in latitude. However, this association is not one to one; streams are observed which do not map back to coronal holes, and holes are observed which do not lie at the base of streams. To the extent that a statistical interpretation is possible the association is not highly significant, but individual consideration of streams and holes suggests that the statistical result is biased somewhat against a strong correlation.

Ricket, B. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Out-of-ecliptic studies of coronal holes and their relation to the solar wind

The advantages of observing coronal holes of the sun above the solar ecliptic plane by a solar probe are discussed. Also discussed are the size of coronal holes, their temperature, and magnetic fields associated with the holes. The role of coronal holes in contributing to the solar wind is examined. Data and observations on coronal holes from Skylab and OSO are treated. It is concluded that an out-of-the-ecliptic solar probe mission would greatly add to the understanding of coronal holes (at high latitudes) thus adding a new perspective to the observation of these phenomena. (Photographs of the sun taken by Skylab are shown).

Noyes, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The coronal temperature and nonthermal motions in a coronal hole compared with other solar regions

The coronal lines Si VIII (1446 A), Fe X (1463 A), Fe XI (1467 A), and Fe XII (1242 A and 1349 A) were observed above the limb over a quiet region, a coronal hole, and two active regions. The lines emitted at temperatures greater than 1 million K; i.e., the iron lines, are not observed in the coronal-hole spectra, so the indication is that in the coronal hole most of the plasma is at a temperature of less than 1 million K. The emission measures and column densities of the lines are derived from available atomic cross-section data, and the results are discussed. The nonthermal velocities in the coronal hole and quiet region are about 20 km/s. The velocities in the active regions are substantially less.

Doschek, G. A.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Magnetic fields, plasmas, and coronal holes - The inner solar system

Recent results concerning streams and magnetic fields in the inner solar system are reviewed. Observations have shown that MHD streams are bounded by thin shear layers within 1 AU, probably because they originate in coronal holes which have sharp boundaries. The properties of Alfvenic fluctuations in streams cannot be fully explained on the basis of the hypothesis that they are plane, transverse Alfven waves. A more complete and accurate description might be that they represent nonplanar general Alfven waves weakly coupled to a compressive mode and moving through a medium containing tangential discontinuities and other convected inhomogeneities.

Burlaga, L. F.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Polar coronal hole density and its solar wind consequences using LASCO observations

The electron density of the north polar coronal hole was determined using the Mark 3 coronameter and large angle spectrometric coronagraph (LASCO) C2 and C3 observations from 1.2 and 8.0 solar radii. The electron density results were compared to the analysis of the Spartan 201-03 data. The implications on solar wind modeling are discussed. The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) investigations confirm those from Spartan 201-03: the high speed solar wind from the polar coronal holes seem to be accelerated much closer to the sun than it was supposed to be. The velocity of polar solar wind agrees with the data from Ulysses observations.

Guhathakurta, M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Transition region, corona, and solar wind in coronal holes - Some two-fluid models

A model is presented which treats the heating of the corona and the heating and acceleration of the solar wind as a single process, namely, the turbulent dissipation of solar-generated Alfven waves at the Kolmogorov rate. This model is similar to that described by Hollweg (1986), except that the electron temperature and the proton temperature are allowed to have different values. It is found that, similar to the findings of Hollweg, solutions which yield base pressures in the observed range lead to solar wind flows which are much too slow at 1 AU; a new feature is the appearance of proton temperature peak near 3-4 solar radii. Thus, this model seems to be also unsatisfactory. Several possible resolutions are discussed.

Hollweg, Joseph V.↗
NASA NTRS1994

On the derivation of empirical limits on the helium abundance in coronal holes below 1.5 solar radius

We present a simple technique describing how limits on the helium abundance, alpha, defined as the ratio of helium to proton number density, can be inferred from measurements of the electron density and temperature below 1.5 solar radius. As an illustration, we apply this technique to two different data sets: emission-line intensities in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and white-light observations, both measured in polar coronal holes. For the EUV data, the temperature gradient is derived from line intensity ratios, and the density gradient is replaced by the gradient of the line intensity. The lower limit on alpha derived from these data is 0.2-0.3 at 1 solar radius and drops very sharply to interplanetary values of a few percent below 1.06 solar radius. The white-light observations yield density gradients in the inner corona beyond 1.25 solar radius but do not have corresponding temperature gradients. In this case we consider an isothermal atmosphere, and derive an upper limit of 0.2 for alpha. These examples are used to illustrate how this technique could be applicable to the more extensive data to be obtained with the upcoming SOHO mission. Although only ranges on alpha can be derived, the application of the technique to data currently available merely points to the fact that alpha can be significantly large in the inner corona.

Habbal, Shadia Rifai↗
NASA NTRS1985

A leaky magnetohydrodynamic waveguide model for the acceleration of high-speed solar wind streams in coronal holes

It is now reasonably well established that there is a correlation between high-speed solar wind streams and coronal holes. It has been concluded that a significant addition of momentum and/or energy in the region of supersonic flow is needed to explain the observed particle flux and flow speed observed in the high-speed streams. The most likely source of this additional momentum appears to be magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves propagating up from the solar surface. The present investigation is concerned with the propagation of MHD waves in a structure of finite transverse size, taking into account the consequences for the acceleration of high-speed solar wind streams. A waveguide solution for a model coronal hole is described, giving attention to a geometric or ray analysis of the slab waveguide, a wave mode analysis, an analytic solution of the dispersion relation for high-frequency waves, and the calculation of the time-averaged wave force.

Davila, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Temporal Evolution of Solar Wind Ion Composition and Their Source Coronal Holes During the Declining Phase of Cycle 23. I. Low-Latitude Extension of Polar Coronal Holes

We analyzed 27 solar wind (SW) intervals during the declining phase of cycle 23, whose source coronal holes (CHs) can be unambiguously identified and are associated with one of the polar CHs. We found that the SW ions have a temporal trend of decreasing ionization state, and such a trend is different between the slow and fast SW. The photospheric magnetic field, both inside and at the outside boundary of the CH, also exhibits a trend of decrease with time. However, EUV line emissions from different layers of the atmosphere exhibit different temporal trends. The coronal emission inside the CH generally increases toward the CH boundary as the underlying field increases in strength and becomes less unipolar. In contrast, this relationship is not seen in the coronal emission averaged over the entire CH. For C and O SW ions that freeze-in at lower altitude, stronger correlation between their ionization states and field strength (both signed and unsigned) appears in the slow SW, while for Fe ions that freeze-in at higher altitude, stronger correlation appears in the fast SW. Such correlations are seen both inside the CH and at its boundary region. On the other hand, the coronal electron temperature correlates well with the SW ion composition only in the boundary region. Our analyses, although not able to determine the likely footpoint locations of the SW of different speeds, raise many outstanding questions for how the SW is heated and accelerated in response to the long-term evolution of the solar magnetic field.

MAGNETIC FIELDS↗
NASA NTRS1997

An overview of IACG campaign 4: Solar sources of heliospheric structure observed out of the ecliptic

In 1994, the Inter Agency Consultative Group (IACG), with represenation from ESA, the Japanese Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, the Russian Space Agency, and NASA, initiated a data analysis campaign entitled: 'solar sources of heliospheric structure observed out of the ecliptic' (IACG campaign 4). The primary campaign themes are: the large-scale heliosphere and its dependence on solar photospheric and coronal phenomena; the topology of coronal streamers; the 3D shape of coronal hole boundaries, and solar wind source and acceleration. These themes emphasize the collaborative analysis of remote sensing and in situ data sets for solar features such as coronal holes, coronal mass ejections, and other other solar sources of heliospheric structure. The key observation intervals, covering June 1994 to January 1997, were selected based on the timeline of the unique trajectory of the Ulysses mission. The capabilities and opportunities afforded by the core campaing missions, Ulysses and Yohkoh, and the availability of supportin solar ground observatories and other spacecraft missions, make this campaign of special interest to the solar and heliospheric communities.

Galvin, A. B.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Magnetic fields, plasmas, and coronal holes: The inner solar system

In situ magnetic field and plasma observations within 1 AU which describe MDH stream flows and Alfvenic fluctuations, the latest theories of those phenomena are discussed. Understanding of streams and fluctuations was enhanced by the acquisition of nearly complete sets of high resolution plasma and magnetic data simultaneously at two or more points by IMPs 6, 7, and 8, Mariner-Venus-Mercury, HELIOS 1, and HELIOS 2. Observations demonstrate that streams can have very thin boundaries in latitude and longitude near the sun. This has necessitated a revision of earlier views of stream dynamics, for it is now clear that magnetic pressure is a major factor in the dynamics of stream in the inner solar system and that nonlinear phenomena are significant much closer to the sun than previously believed. Simultaneous IMP 6, 7, and 8 observations of Alfvenic fluctuations indicate that they are probably not simply transverse Alfven waves and suggest that Alfvenic fluctuations are better described as nonplanar, large-amplitude, general Alfven waves moving through an inhomogeneous and discontinuous medium, and coupled to a compressive mode.

Burlaga, L. F.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Orbiting solar observatory 8 high resolution ultraviolet spectrometer experiment

Oscillations, physical properties of the solar atmosphere, motions in the quiet solar atmosphere, coronal holes, motions in solar active regions, solar flares, the structure of plage regions, an atlas, and aeronomy are summarized. Photometric sensitivity, scattered light, ghosts, focus and spectral resolution, wavelength drive, photometric sensitivity, and scattered light, are also summarized. Experiments are described according to spacecraft made and experiment type. Some of the most useful data reduction programs are described.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2011

The Sun, Its Extended Corona, the Interplanetary Space, the Earth's Magnetosphere, Ionosphere, Middle and Low Atmosphere, are All Parts of a Complex System - the Heliosphere

Various manifestations of solar activity cause disturbances known as space weather effects in the interplanetary space, near-Earth environment, and all the Earth's "spheres. Longterm variations in the frequency, intensity and relative importance of the manifestations of solar activity are due to the slow changes in the output of the solar dynamo, and they define space climate. Space climate governs long-term variations in geomagnetic activity and is the primary natural driver of terrestrial climate. To understand how the variable solar activity affects the Earth's environment, geomagnetic activity and climate on both short and long time scales, we need to understand the origins of solar activity itself and its different manifestations, as well as the sequence of coupling processes linking various parts of the system. This session provides a forum to discuss the chain of processes and relations from the Sun to the Earth's surface: the origin and long-term and short-term evolution of solar activity, initiation and temporal variations in solar flares, CMEs, coronal holes, the solar wind and its interaction with the terrestrial magnetosphere, the ionosphere and its connection to the neutral dominated regions below and the plasma dominated regions above, the stratosphere, its variations due to the changing solar activity and its interactions with the underlying troposphere, and the mechanisms of solar influences on the lower atmosphere on different time-scales. Particularly welcome are papers highlighting the coupling processes between the different domains in this complex system.

Gopalswamy, Natchimuthuk↗
NASA NTRS1995

Heating of coronal holes by the resonant absorption and dissipation of Alfven waves and its relation to solar wind acceleration

Coronal hole regions are well known sources of high-speed solar wind, however to account for the observed properties of the solar wind a source of momentum and heat must be included. Alfven waves were suggested as the possible source of heating that accelerates the solar wind. We investigate the propagation of the Alfven waves in coronal holes via numerical solution of the linearized 2-D resistive MHD equations in slab geometry. The Alfven waves are driven at the lower boundary of the coronal hole and propagate into the corona. The waves are reflected at the coronal hole boundary and part of the wave energy leaks out of the coronal hole. We compare the calculated wavelengths and the attenuation rate of the fast mode Alfven waves in the leaky waveguide formed by the coronal hole with the analytical ideal MHD solutions. The formation of resonance heating layers is found to occur when shear Alfven waves propagate in an inhomogeneous coronal hole. The heating is enhanced when fast mode waves couple to the shear Alfven waves. The narrow heating layers are formed near the location of the ideal resonance, which might occur near the coronal hole boundary for a nearly constant density coronal hole, surrounded by a higher density plasma. We investigate the dependence of the heating on the driver frequency, the Lundquist number, and on the heliocentric distance. and find that the low frequency Alfven waves can be an efficient source of heating at large distances from the Sun. We discuss the relation of our results to the observed properties of high-speed solar wind and coronal holes.

Ofman, L.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Relationship of coronal mass ejections with solar flares, prominences and coronal holes

We have investigated more than 450 coronal mass ejections (CME's) observed between 1979-1985 (by SOLWIND) having speed more than 500 km/s. To carry out the study we have used the method of time and spatial correlations. From the study we have found the following: (1) About 50% CMEs are related with coronal holes; (2) About 15% CMEs are related with solar flares; (3) About 25% CMEs are associated with eruptive prominence; and (4) About 10% CMEs are not related with any solar phenomena. The relationship of CMEs and solar radio bursts are also studied. In the light of above, we are of the view that there may be two types of CMEs. The origin of one of them may be related with coronal holes and that for other may be solar flares and prominences.

Verma, V. K.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Velocity fields in a low-latitude coronal hole - Results from the Solar Maximum Mission

The Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) satellite has been used to observe Doppler signatures in C IV in a low-latitude coronal hole as it crossed the central meridian (1985 February 2-8). Scatter plots of C IV emission intensity versus velocity do not show the pronounced positive correlation which has been reported in other regions on the sun. These data suggest that the coronal hole may control the gross velocity field in the solar atmosphere at the level where C IV is formed. Some localized regions of upflow coincide with EUV bright points in the coronal hole.

Mullan, D. J.↗