Search

We present the formation of quasi-periodic cool spicule-like jets in the solar atmosphere using 2.5-D numerical simulation in two-fluid regime (ions+neutrals) under the presence of thermal conduction and ion-neutral collision. The non-linear, impulsive Alfv\'enic perturbations at the top of the photosphere trigger field aligned magnetoacoustic perturbations due to ponderomotive force. The transport of energy from Alfv\'en pulse to such vertical velocity perturbations due to ponderomotive force is considered as an initial trigger mechanism. Thereafter, these velocity perturbations steepen into the shocks followed by quasi-periodic rise and fall of the cool jets transporting mass in the overlying corona., Comment: In Press; Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A; 21 Pages; 06 Figures. Philosophical Transactions is the oldest English science journal in the world, which has been published continuously since March 1665 as launched by Henry Oldenburg

The production of antihydrogen by several research groups provides the opportunity to measure the gravitational behaviour of antimatter in the gravitational field of the Earth. The predictions in the literature range from normal attraction to repulsion. Applying our gravitational impact model, which is of a purely phenomenological nature, we conclude that there will be neither attraction nor repulsion under the assumption of a symmetric antigraviton distribution near the antihydrogen atom. However, a very small asymmetry must be expected and could effect the conclusion. The model, in addition, predicts normal gravitation between antimatter and antimatter particles at large distances, but strong repulsion at close range for matter as well as for antimatter pairs, whereas strong attraction will result for matter-antimatter encounters. We have further refined the model assumptions in light of recent CERN ALPHA-g measurements that indicate a certain attraction of antihydrogen by the gravitational field of the Earth., Comment: 12 Pages and 04 Figures

We perform a 2.5 dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation to understand a comprehensive view of the formation of spicule-like cool jets due to initial transverse velocity pulses akin to Alfv\'en pulses in the solar chromosphere. We invoke multiple velocity ($V_{z}$) pulses between 1.5 and 2.0 Mm in the solar atmosphere, which create the initial transverse velocity perturbations. These pulses transfer energy non-linearly to the field aligned perturbations due to the ponderomotive force. This physical process further creates the magnetoacoustic shocks followed by quasi-periodic plasma motions in the solar atmosphere. The field aligned magnetoacoustic shocks move upward which subsequently cause quasi-periodic rise and fall of the chromospheric plasma into the overlying corona as a thin and cool spicule-like jets. The magnitude of the initial applied transverse velocity pulses are taken in the range of 50-90 km $s^{-1}$. These pulses are found to be strong enough to generate the spicule-like jets. We analyze the evolution, kinematics and energetics of these spicule-like jets. We find that the transported mass flux and kinetic energy density are substantial in the localized solar-corona. These mass motions generate $\it in$ $situ$ quasi-periodic oscillations on the scale of $\simeq$ 4.0 min above the transition region., Comment: 15 pages, 9 figures, MNRAS (in press)

We use multiwavelength imaging observations from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) to study the evolution of Kelvin-Helmholtz (K-H) instability in a fan-spine magnetic field configuration. This magnetic topology exists near an active region AR12297 and is rooted in a nearby sunspot. In this magnetic configuration, two layers of cool plasma flow in parallel and interact with each other inside an elongated spine. The slower plasma flow (5 $km s^{-1}$) is the reflected stream along the spine field lines from the top, which interacts with the impulsive plasma upflows (114-144 km s$^{-1}$) from below. This process generates a shear motion and subsequent evolution of the K--H instability. The amplitude and characteristic wavelength of the K-H unstable vortices increase, satisfying the criterion of the fastest growing mode of this instability. We also describe that the velocity difference between two layers and velocity of K-H unstable vortices are greater than the Alfven speed in the second denser layer, which also satisfies the criterion of the growth of K-H instability. In the presence of the magnetic field and sheared counter streaming plasma as observed in the fan-spine topology, we estimate the parametric constant, $\Lambda\ge$1, that confirms the dominance of velocity shear and the evolution of the linear phase of the K-H instability. This observation indicates that in the presence of complex magnetic field structuring and flows, the fan-spine configuration may evolve into rapid heating, while the connectivity changes due to the fragmentation via the K-H instability., Comment: 14 pages, 8 figures, accepted for publication in ApJ

We observe plasma flows in cool loops using the Slit-Jaw Imager (SJI) onboard the Interface Region Imaging Spectrometer (IRIS). Huang et al. (2015) observed unusually broadened Si IV 1403 angstrom line profiles at the footpoints of such loops that were attributed to signatures of explosive events (EEs). We have chosen one such uni-directional flowing cool loop system observed by IRIS where one of the footpoints is associated with significantly broadened Si IV line profiles. The line profile broadening indirectly indicates the occurrence of numerous EEs below the transition region (TR), while it directly infers a large velocity enhancement /perturbation further causing the plasma flows in the observed loop system. The observed features are implemented in a model atmosphere in which a low-lying bi-polar magnetic field system is perturbed in the chromosphere by a velocity pulse with a maximum amplitude of 200 km/s. The data-driven 2-D numerical simulation shows that the plasma motions evolve in a similar manner as observed by IRIS in the form of flowing plasma filling the skeleton of a cool loop system. We compare the spatio-temporal evolution of the cool loop system in the framework of our model with the observations, and conclude that their formation is mostly associated with the velocity response of the transient energy release above their footpoints in the chromosphere/TR. Our observations and modeling results suggest that the velocity responses most likely associated to the EEs could be one of the main candidates for the dynamics and energetics of the flowing cool loop systems in the lower solar atmosphere., Comment: In Press; The Astrophysical Journal; 14 Pages; 9 Figures

Using multiwavelength imaging observations from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) on 03 May 2012, we present a novel physical scenario for the formation of a temporary X-point in the solar corona, where plasma dynamics is forced externally by a moving prominence. Natural diffusion was not predominant, however, a prominence driven inflow occurred firstly, forming a thin current sheet and thereafter enabling a forced magnetic reconnection at a considerably high rate. Observations in relation to the numerical model reveal that forced reconnection may rapidly and efficiently occur at higher rates in the solar corona. This physical process may also heat the corona locally even without establishing a significant and self-consistent diffusion region. Using a parametric numerical study, we demonstrate that the implementation of the external driver increases the rate of the reconnection even when the resistivity required for creating normal diffusion region decreases at the X-point. We conjecture that the appropriate external forcing can bring the oppositely directed field lines into the temporarily created diffusion region firstly via the plasma inflows as seen in the observations. The reconnection and related plasma outflows may occur thereafter at considerably larger rates., Comment: 14 Pages; 07 Figures; The Astrophysical Journal (in press)

In 1844 Schwabe discovered that the number of sunspots increased and decreased over a period of about 11 years, that variation became known as the sunspot cycle. Almost eighty years later, Hale described the nature of the Sun's magnetic field, identifying that it takes about 22 years for the Sun's magnetic polarity to cycle. It was also identified that the latitudinal distribution of sunspots resembles the wings of a butterfly showing migration of sunspots in each hemisphere that abruptly start at mid-latitudes towards the Sun's equator over the next 11 years. These sunspot patterns were shown to be asymmetric across the equator. In intervening years, it was deduced that the Sun (and sun-like stars) possess magnetic activity cycles that are assumed to be the physical manifestation of a dynamo process that results from complex circulatory transport processes in the star's interior. Understanding the Sun's magnetism, its origin and its variation, has become a fundamental scientific objective \-- the distribution of magnetism, and its interaction with convective processes, drives various plasma processes in the outer atmosphere. In the past few decades, a range of diagnostic techniques have been employed to systematically study finer scale magnetized objects, and associated phenomena. The patterns discerned became known as the ``Extended Solar Cycle'' (ESC). The patterns of the ESC appeared to extend the wings of the activity butterfly back in time, nearly a decade before the formation of the sunspot pattern, and to much higher solar latitudes. In this short review, we describe their observational patterns of the ESC and discuss possible connections to the solar dynamo as we depart on a multi-national collaboration to investigate the origins of solar magnetism through a blend of archived and contemporary data analysis with the goal of improving solar dynamo understanding and modeling., Comment: 11 Pages; 03 Figures

We investigate the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) observations of the quiet-Sun (QS) to understand the propagation of acoustic waves in transition region (TR) from photosphere. We selected a few IRIS spectral lines, which include the photospheric (Mn~{\sc i} 2801.25~{\AA}), chromospheric (Mg~{\sc ii} k 2796.35~{\AA}) and TR (C~{\sc ii} 1334.53~{\AA}), to investigate the acoustic wave propagation.The wavelet cross-spectrum reveals significant coherence (about 70\% locations) between photosphere and chromosphere. Few minutes oscillations (i.e., period range from 1.6 to 4.0 minutes) successfully propagate into chromosphere from photosphere, which is confirmed by dominance of positive phase lags. However, in higher period regime (i.e., greater than $\approx$ 4.5 minutes), the downward propagation dominates is evident by negative phase lags. The broad spectrum of waves (i.e., 2.5-6.0 minutes) propagates freely upwards from chromosphere to TR. We find that only about 45\% locations (out of 70\%) show correlation between chromosphere and TR. Our results indicate that roots of 3 minutes oscillations observed within chromosphere/TR are located in photosphere. Observations also demonstrate that 5 minute oscillations propagate downward from chromosphere. \textbf{However, some locations within QS also show successful propagation of 5 minute oscillations as revealed by positive phase lags, which might be the result of magnetic field}. In addition, our results clearly show that a significant power, within period ranging from 2.5 to 6.0 minutes, of solar chromosphere is freely transmitted into TR triggering atmospheric oscillations. Theoretical implications of our observational results are discussed., Comment: 14 Pages, 7 figures, In press MNRAS

We observed a C-class flare at the outer boundary of the super-penumbra of a sunspot. The flare was triggered by an emerging magnetic bipolar region that was obliquely oriented with respect to the super-penumbral fibrils. The flare started due to the low height magnetic reconnection of emerging magnetic flux with super-penumbral field resulting hot multi-temperature plasma flows in the inverse Evershed flow channel and its overlying atmosphere. The inverse Evershed flows in the chromosphere start from super penumbra towards sunspot that end at the outer boundary of the penumbra. The hot plasma flow towards the sunspot in the inverse Evershed channels show about 10 km s$^{-1}$ higher velocity in H$\alpha$ wavelengths compared to the plasma emissions at various temperatures as seen in different AIA filters. Even though these velocities are about seven times higher than the typical inverse-Evershed flow speeds, the flow is diminished at the outer boundary of the sunspot's penumbra. This suggests that the super-penumbral field lines that carry the inverse Evershed flows, are discontinued at the boundary where the penumbral field lines dive into the sun and these two sets of field lines are completely distinct. The discontinuity in the typical magnetic field and plasma properties at the adjoining of these two sets of field lines further leads the discontinuity in the characteristic magnetoacoustic and Alfv\'en speeds, therefore, stopping the plasma flows further on. The multi-temperature plasma in the inverse Evershed channels exhibits \textbf{possible} longitudinal oscillations initially during the onset of the flare, and later flows towards the sunspot. In the multi-temperature view, the different layers above the flare region have the mixture of supersonic as well as subsonic flows., Comment: 13 pages, 8 figures, 1 table

Using HINODE/XRT, GOES, SDO/AIA observations, we study a compact C-1.4 class flare outside a major sunspot of AR 12178 on 4 October 2014. This flare is associated with a peculiar coronal jet, which is erupted in two stages in the overlying corona above the compact flaring region. At the time of flare maximum, the first stage of the jet eruption occurs above the flare energy release site, and thereafter in the second stage its magneto-plasma system interacts with the overlying distinct magnetic field domain in its vicinity to build further the typical jet plasma column., Comment: Proceedings IAU Symposium No. 340, 2018, In Press

Aims. We perform a detailed observational analysis of network jets to understand their kinematics, rotational motion and underlying triggering mechanism(s). We have analyzed the quiet-Sun (QS) data. Methods. IRIS high resolution imaging and spectral observations (SJI: Si iv 1400.0 \AA, Raster: Si iv 1393.75 \AA) are used to analyze the omnipresent rotating network jets in the transition-region (TR). In addition, we have also used Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) onboard Solar Dynamic Observation (SDO) observations. Results. The statistical analysis of fifty-one network jets is performed to understand various their mean properties, e.g., apparent speed (140.16+/-39.41 km/s), length (3.16+/-1.18 Mm), lifetimes (105.49+/-51.75 s). The Si iv 1393.75 \AA line has secondary component along with its main Gaussian, which is formed due to the high-speed plasma flows (i.e., network jets). The variation of Doppler velocity across these jets (i.e., blue shift on one edge and red shift on the other) signify the presence of inherited rotational motion. The statistical analysis predicts that the mean rotational velocity (i.e., \delV) is 49.56 km/s. The network jets have high angular velocity in comparison to the other class of solar jets. Conclusions. The signature of network jets are inherited in TR spectral lines in terms of the secondary component of the Si iv 1393.75 \AA line. The rotational motion of network jets is omnipresent, which is reported firstly for this class of jet-like features. The magnetic reconnection seems to be the most favorable mechanism for the formation of these network jets., Comment: 14 Pages; 6 Figures; In Press Astronomy & Astrophysics

Using the data obtained from XMM-Newton, we show the gradual evolution of two periodicities of ~4500 s and ~2200 s in the decay phase of the flare observed in a solar analog EK Dra. The longer period evolves firstly for first 14 ks, while the shorter period evolves for next 10 ks in the decay phase. We find that these two periodicities are associated with the magnetoacoustic waves triggered in the flaring region. The flaring loop system shows cooling and thus it is subjected to the change in the scale height and the acoustic cut-off period. This serves to filter the longer period magnetoacoustic waves and enables the propagation of the shorter period waves in the later phase of the flare. We provide the first clues of the dynamic behaviour of EK Dra's corona which affects the propagation of waves and causes their filtering., Comment: 14 Pages; 04 Figures; 01 Table; Comment: Remarks are welcome from Solar and Stellar Physics Community

The far-reaching gravitational force is described by a heuristic impact model with hypothetical massless entities propagating at the speed of light in vacuum and transferring momentum and energy be- tween massive bodies through interactions on a local basis. In the original publication (Wilhelm et al. 2013), a spherical symmetric emission of secondary entities had been postulated. The potential energy problems in gravitationally and electrostatically bound two-body systems have been studied in the framework of this im- pact model of gravity and of a proposed impact model of the electrostatic force (Wilhelm et al. 2014). These studies have indicated that an anti-parallel emission of a secondary entity - now called graviton - with respect to the incoming one is more appropriate. This article is based on the latter choice and presents the modifications resulting from this change. The model has been applied to multiple interactions of gravitons in large mass conglomerations in several publications. They will be summarized here taking the modified interaction process into account. In addition, the speed of photons as a function of the gravitational potential are considered in this context together with the dependence of atomic clocks and the redshift on the gravitational potential., Comment: 21 Pages, 7 Figures

Temporal variations in the Suns internal velocity field with a periodicity of about 11 years have been observed over the last four decades. The period of these torsional oscillations and their latitudinal propagation roughly coincides with the period and equatorward propagation of sunspots which originate from a magnetohydrodynamic dynamo mechanism operating in the Suns interior. While the solar differential rotation plays an important role in this dynamo mechanism by inducting the toroidal component of magnetic field, the impact of torsional oscillations on the dynamo mechanism and hence the solar cycle is not well understood. Here, we include the observed torsional oscillations into a flux transport dynamo model of the solar cycle to investigate their effect. We find that the overall amplitude of the solar cycle does not change significantly on inclusion of torsional oscillations. However, all the characteristics of the Waldmeier effect in the sunspot cycle are qualitatively reproduced by varying only the amplitude of torsional oscillations. The Waldmeier effect, first noted in 1935, includes the important characteristic that the amplitude of sunspot cycles is anti-correlated to their rise time; cycles with high initial rise rate tend to be stronger. This has implications for solar cycle predictions. Our results suggest that the Waldmeier effect could be a plausible outcome of cycle to cycle modulation of torsional oscillations and provides a physical basis for sunspot cycle forecasts based on torsional oscillation observations. We also provide a theoretical explanation based on the magnetic induction equation thereby connecting two apparently disparate phenomena., Comment: 9 pages, 8 figures, submitted to Astrophysical Journal

An impact model of gravity designed to emulate Newton's law of gravitation is applied to the radial acceleration of disk galaxies. Based on this model (Wilhelm et al. 2013), the rotation velocity curves can be understood without the need to postulate any dark matter contribution. The increased acceleration in the plane of the disk is a consequence of multiple interactions of gravitons (called "quadrupoles" in the original paper) and the subsequent propagation in this plane and not in three-dimensional space. The concept provides a physical process that relates the fit parameter of the acceleration scale defined by McGaugh et al. (2016) to the mean free path length of gravitons in the disks of galaxies. It may also explain the modification of the gravitational interaction at low acceleration levels in MOND (Milgrom 1983, 1994, 2015, 2016). Three examples are discussed in some detail: The spiral galaxies NGC 7814, NGC 6503 and M 33., Comment: 9 Pages; 3 Figures; 2 Tables

A physical process of the gravitational redshift was described in an earlier paper (Wilhelm & Dwivedi 2014) that did not require any information for the emitting atom neither on the local gravitational potential U nor on the speed of light c. Although it could be shown that the correct energy shift of the emitted photon resulted from energy and momentum conservation principles and the speed of light at the emission site, it was not obvious how this speed is controlled by the gravitational potential. The aim of this paper is to describe a physical process that can accomplish this control. We determine the local speed of light c by deducing a gravitational index of refraction nG as a function of the potential U assuming a specific aether model, in which photons propagate as solitons. Even though an atom cannot locally sense the gravitational potential U (cf. Muller et al. 2010), the gravitational redshift will nevertheless be determined by U (cf. Wolf et al. 2010)- mediated by the local speed of light c., Comment: 8 Pages

Using MHD seismology by observed kink waves, the magnetic field profile of a coronal streamer has been investigated. STEREO-B/EUVI temporal image data on 7 March 2012 shows an evolution of two consecutive EUV waves that interact with the footpoint of a coronal streamer evident in the co-spatial and co-temporal STEREO-B/COR-I observations. The evolution of EUV waves is clearly evident in STEREO-B/EUVI, and its energy exchange with coronal streamer generates kink oscillations. We estimate the phase velocities of the kink wave perturbations by tracking it at different heights of the coronal streamer. We also estimate the electron densities inside and outside the streamer using SSI of polarized brightness images in STEREO-B/COR-1 observations. Taking into account the MHD theory of kink waves in a cylindrical waveguide, their observed properties at various heights, and density contrast of the streamer, we estimate the radial profile of magnetic field within this magnetic structure. Both the kink waves diagnose the exponentially decaying radial profiles of the magnetic field in coronal steamer upto 3 solar radii. Within the limit of uncertainties in the measurements, it is indicated that coronal magnetic field of the streamer varies slowly in time at various heights, although its nature always remains exponentially decaying. It is seen that during the evolution of second kink motion in the streamer, it increases in brightness, and also in areal extent slightly, which may be associated with the decreased photospheric magnetic flux at its footpoint. As a result, the magnetic field profile produced by the second kink wave is reduced within the streamer compared to the one diagnosed by the first one. The precisely estimated magnetic field profiles with the uncertainty less than 10% match well with the empirical profile and various observational estimations of the outer coronal magnetic field., Comment: 7 Pages; 6 Figures; Low resolution Figures (in paper) and slightly shortened/edited abstract (in meta-data) are to fulfill the criteria of ARXIV

We investigate quasi-periodic coronal pulsations during the decay phase of an X 3.2 class flare on 14 May 2013, using soft X-ray data from the RHESSI satellite. Periodogram analyses of soft X-ray light curves show that 53 s and 72 s periods co-exist in the 3-6, 6-12 and 12-25 KeV energy bands. Considering the typical length of the flaring loop system and observed periodicities, we find that they are associated with multiple (first two harmonics) of fast magnetoacoustic sausage waves. The phase relationship of soft X-ray emissions in different energy bands using cross-correlation technique show that these modes are standing in nature as we do not find the phase lag. Considering the period ratio, we diagnose the local plasma conditions of the flaring region by invoking MHD seismology. The period ratio P1/2P2 is found to be 0.65, which indicates that such oscillations are most likely excited in longitudinal density stratified loops., Comment: 16 pages, 7 figures, accepted to Advances in Space Research, 2015

Using the Hinode/EIS 2$"$ spectroscopic observations, we study the intensity, velocity, and FWHM variations of the strongest Fe XII 195.12 \AA\ line along the jet to find the signature of Alfv\'en waves. We simulate numerically the impulsively generated Alfv\'en waves within the vertical Harris current-sheet, forming the jet plasma flows, and mimicking their observational signatures. Using the FLASH code and the atmospheric model with embedded weakly expanding magnetic field configuration within a vertical Harris current-sheet, we solve the two and half-dimensional (2.5-D) ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations to study the evolution of Alfv\'en waves and vertical flows forming the plasma jet. At a height of $\sim 5~\mathrm{Mm}$ from the base of the jet, the red-shifted velocity component of Fe XII 195.12 \AA\ line attains its maximum ($5~\mathrm{km\,s}^{-1}$) which converts into a blue-shifted one between the altitude of $5-10~\mathrm{Mm}$. The spectral intensity continously increases up to $10~\mathrm{Mm}$, while FWHM still exhibits the low values with almost constant trend. This indicates that the reconnection point within the jet's magnetic field topology lies in the corona $5-10~\mathrm{Mm}$ from its footpoint anchored in the Sun's surface. Beyond this height, FWHM shows a growing trend. This may be the signature of Alfv\'en waves that impulsively evolve due to reconnection and propagate along the jet. From our numerical data, we evaluate space- and time- averaged Alfv\'en waves velocity amplitudes at different heights in the jet's current-sheet, which contribute to the non-thermal motions and spectral line broadening. The synthetic width of Fe XII $195.12~\mathrm{\AA}$ line exhibits similar trend of increment as in the observational data, possibly proving the existence of impulsively generated (by reconnection) Alfv\'en waves which propagate along the jet.

We perform numerical simulations of impulsively generated Alfv\'en waves in an isolated photospheric flux tube, and explore the propagation of these waves along such magnetic structure that extends from the photosphere, where these waves are triggered, to the solar corona, and analyze resulting magnetic shells. Our model of the solar atmosphere is constructed by adopting the temperature distribution based on the semi-empirical model and specifying the curved magnetic field lines that constitute the magnetic flux tube which is rooted in the solar photosphere. The evolution of the solar atmosphere is described by 3D, ideal magnetohydrodynamic equations that are numerically solved by the FLASH code. Our numerical simulations reveal, based on the physical properties of the multi-shell magnetic twisters and the amount of energy and momentum associated with them, that these multi-shell magnetic twisters may be responsible for the observed heating of the lower solar corona and for the formation of solar wind. Moreover, it is likely that the existence of these twisters can be verified by high-resolution observations., Comment: The Astrophysical Journal; 11 Pages; 13 Figures

We analyze multi-wavelength and multi-viewpoint observations of a helically twisted plasma jet formed during a confined filament eruption on 10-11 April 2013. Given a rather large scale event with its high spatial and temporal resolution observations, it allows us to clearly understand some new physical details about the formation and triggering mechanism of twisting jet. We identify a pre-existing flux rope associated with a sinistral filament, which was observed several days before the event. The confined eruption of the filament within a null point topology, also known as an Eiffel tower (or inverted-Y) magnetic field configuration results in the formation of a twisted jet after the magnetic reconnection near a null point. The sign of helicity in the jet is found to be the same as that of the sign of helicity in the filament. Untwisting motion of the reconnected magnetic field lines gives rise to the accelerating plasma along the jet axis. The event clearly shows the twist injection from the pre-eruptive magnetic field to the jet., Comment: 14 pages, 12 figures, to appear in MNRAS

The potential energy problem in a gravitationally bound two-body system has recently been studied in the framework of a proposed impact model of gravitation \citep{WilDwi}. The result was applied to the free fall of the so-called Mintrop--Ball in G\"ottingen with the implicit assumption that the mass distribution of the system is extremely unbalanced. An attempt to generalize the study to arbitrary mass distributions indicated a conflict with the energy conservation law in a closed system. This necessitated us to reconsider an earlier assumption made in selecting a specific process out of two options \citep{Wiletal}. With the result obtained here we can now make an educated selection and reverse our choice. The consequences are presented and discussed in detail for several processes. Energy and momentum conservation could now be demonstrated in all cases., Comment: 06 pages; 01 figure

The spectral profiles of the coronal Ne viii line at 77 nm have different shapes in quiet-Sun regions and coronal holes (CHs). A single Gaussian fit of the line profile provides an adequate approximation in quiet-Sun areas, whereas a strong shoulder on the long-wavelength side is a systematic feature in CHs. Although this has been noticed since 1999, no physical reason for the peculiar shape could be given. In an attempt to identify the cause of this peculiarity, we address three problems that could not be conclusively resolved in a review article by a study team of the International Space Science Institute (ISSI; Wilhelm et al. 2011) : (1) The physical processes operating at the base and inside of plumes as well as their interaction with the solar wind (SW). (2) The possible contribution of plume plasma to the fast SW streams. (3) The signature of the first-ionization potential (FIP) effect between plumes and inter-plume regions (IPRs). Before the spectroscopic peculiarities in IPRs and plumes in polar coronal holes (PCHs) can be further investigated with the instrument Solar Ultraviolet Measurements of Emitted Radiation (SUMER) aboard the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), it is mandatory to summarize the results of the review to place the spectroscopic observations into context. Finally, a plume model is proposed that satisfactorily explains the plasma flows up and down the plume field lines and leads to the shape of the neon line in PCHs., Comment: 8 Pages; 3 Figures; To appear in Journal of Astrophysics & Astronomy (Special Issue; Eds. V. Fedun, A.K. Srivastava, R. Erdelyi, J.C. Pandey)

We report the observation of the first two harmonics of the horizontally polarized kink waves excited in a coronal loop system lying at south-east of AR 11719 on 2013 April 11. The detected periods of the fundamental mode ($P_1$), its first overtone ($P_2$) in the northern half, and that in the southern one are $530.2 \pm 13.3$, $300.4 \pm 27.7$, and $334.7 \pm 22.1$ s, respectively. The periods of the first overtone in the two halves are the same considering uncertainties in the measurement. We estimate the average electron density, temperature, and length of the loop system as $(5.1 \pm 0.8) \times 10^8$ cm$^{-3}$, $0.65 \pm 0.06$ MK, and $203.8 \pm 13.8$ Mm, respectively. As a zeroth order estimation, the magnetic field strength, $B = 8.2 \pm 1.0$ G, derived by the coronal seismology using the fundamental kink mode matches with that derived by a potential field model. The extrapolation model also shows the asymmetric and nonuniform distribution of the magnetic field along the coronal loop. Using the amplitude profile distributions of both the fundamental mode and its first overtone, we observe that the antinode positions of both the fundamental mode and its first overtone shift towards the weak field region along the coronal loop. The results indicate that the density stratification and the temperature difference effects are larger than the magnetic field variation effect on the period ratio. On the other hand, the magnetic field variation has a greater effect on the eigenfunction of the first overtone than the density stratification does for this case., Comment: 24 pages, 6 figures, 1 table, accepted for publication in ApJ

The potential energy problem in an electrostatically bound two-body system is studied in the framework of a recently proposed impact model of the electrostatic force and in analogy to the potential energy in a gravitationally bound system. The physical processes are described that result in the variation of the potential energy as a function of the distance between the charged bodies. The energy is extracted from distributions of hypothetical interaction entities modified by the charged bodies., Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures

The Aharonov-Bohm effect is considered by most authors as a quantum effect, but a generally accepted explanation does not seem to be available. The phenomenon is studied here under the assumption that hypothetical electric dipole distributions configured by moving charges in the solenoid act on the electrons as test particles. The relative motions of the interacting charged particles introduce relativistic time dilations. The massless dipoles are postulated as part of an impact model that has recently been proposed to account for the far-reaching electrostatic forces between charged particles described by Coulomb's law. The model provides a quantitative explanation of the Aharonov-Bohm effect., Comment: 5 pages; 3 figures

Using one-arcsecond-slit scan observations from the Hinode/EUV Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) on 05 February 2007, we find the plasma outflows in the open and expanding coronal funnels at the eastern boundary of AR 10940. The Doppler velocity map of Fe XII 195.120 A shows that the diffuse close-loop system to be mostly red-shifted. The open arches (funnels) at the eastern boundary of AR exhibit blue-shifts with a maximum speed of about 10-15 km/s. This implies outflowing plasma through these magnetic structures. In support of these observations, we perform a 2D numerical simulation of the expanding coronal funnels by solving the set of ideal MHD equations in appropriate VAL-III C initial temperature conditions using the FLASH code. We implement a rarefied and hotter region at the footpoint of the model funnel, which results in the evolution of slow plasma perturbations propagating outward in the form of plasma flows. We conclude that the heating, which may result from magnetic reconnection, can trigger the observed plasma outflows in such coronal funnels. This can transport mass into the higher corona, giving rise to the formation of the nascent solar wind., Comment: 17 Pages; 7 Figures

The electrostatic force is described in this model by the action of electric dipole distributions on charged particles. The individual hypothetical dipoles are propagating at the speed of light in vacuum transferring momentum and energy between charges through interactions on a local basis. The model is constructed in analogy to an impact model describing the gravitational forces., Comment: 10 pages; 5 figures; Version # 2

Solar transients and eruptive phenomena which are ubiquitous in the solar atmosphere, can shed new light to the understanding of the outstanding problems like coronal heating and the solar wind acceleration. Observations in the entire electromagnetic spectrum of such dynamical processes of large and small-scale transient/eruptive events, with highly dynamic magnetic field configuration, and energetic particles, provide crucial information about the plasma processes at mega-Kelvin temperature embedded in a complex magnetic field, and also energy build-up/energy-release processes, taking place in such events. One of the most important phenomenological aspects of solar eruptive phenomena is the induced magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves generated during these energetic processes, which carry a potential signature to probing the solar active regions. In this paper, we briefly review the recent trends of the transient (e.g., flares) induced quasi-periodic oscillations in the solar atmosphere and discuss their implications in diagnosing the solar active regions, providing the clue to understanding local plasma dynamics and heating., Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures, to be appear in the Proc. of the 1st Asian-Pacific Solar Phys. Meeting

We analyze a time sequence of He II 256.32 angstrom images obtained with EIS/Hinode, sampling a small magnetic loop in magnetic network. Wavelet analysis indicates 11-min periodicity close to the loop apex. We interprete this oscillation as forcing through upward leakage by the fundamental acoustic eigenmode of the underlying field-free cavity. The observed loop length corresponds to the value predicted from this mechanism., Comment: 3 pages, 3 figures; To appear in "Magnetic Coupling between the Interior and the Atmosphere of the Sun", eds. S.S. Hasan and R.J. Rutten, Astrophysics and Space Science Proceedings, Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg, Berlin, 2009

Polar coronal plumes seen during solar eclipses can now be studied with space-borne telescopes and spectrometers. We briefly discuss such observations from space with a view to understanding their plasma characteristics. Using these observations, especially from SUMER/SOHO, but also from EUVI/STEREO, we deduce densities, temperatures, and abundance anomalies in plumes and inter-plume regions, and discuss their implications for better understanding of these structures in the Sun's atmosphere., Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures; To appear in "Magnetic Coupling between the Interior and the Atmosphere of the Sun", eds. S.S. Hasan and R.J. Rutten, Astrophysics and Space Science Proceedings, Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg, Berlin, 2009

Aims: We study the VUV emission of the quiet Sun and the net redshift of transition region lines in the SUMER spectral range. We aim at establishing a link with atmospheric processes and interpreting the observed downflow as the most evident part of the prevailing global coronal mass transport. Methods: We rank and arrange all pixels of a monochromatic raster scan by radiance and define equally-sized bins of bright, faint, and medium-bright pixels. Comparing the bright pixels with the faint pixels, we determine the spectrally-resolved network contrast for 19 emission lines. We then compare the contrast centroids of these lines with the position of the line itself. We establish a relationship between the observed redshift of the network contrast with the line formation temperature. Results: We find that the network contrast is offset in wavelength compared to the emission line itself. This offset, if interpreted as redshift, peaks at middle transition region temperatures and is 10 times higher than the previously reported net redshift of transition region emission lines. We demonstrate that the brighter pixels are more redshifted, causing both a significant shift of the network contrast profile and the well-known net redshift. We show that this effect can be reconstructed from the radiance distribution. This result is compatible with loop models, which assume downflows near both footpoints., Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures

Coronal loops are fundamental building blocks of the solar active regions and the corona. Therefore, a clear understanding of the physics of coronal loops will help us understand the physics of active region heating in particular and coronal heating in general. This requires a precise measurement of physical quantities such as electron densities and filling factors, temperatures, and flows in coronal loops. In this paper we have carried out an investigation of a spatially well resolved coronal loop using the EIS onboard Hinode to measure the above mentioned physical quantities. Based on this study we find that a nano-flare model could explain most of the observed characteristics of this loop., Comment: 27 pages, 7 figures, Accepted in ApJ

Using simultaneous high spatial (1.3 arc sec) and temporal (5 and 10 s) resolution H-alpha observations from the 15 cm Solar Tower Telescope at ARIES, we study the oscillations in the relative intensity to explore the possibility of sausage oscillations in the chromospheric cool postflare loop. We use standard wavelet tool, and find the oscillation period of ~ 587 s near the loop apex, and ~ 349 s near the footpoint. We suggest that the oscillations represent the fundamental and the first harmonics of fast sausage waves in the cool postflare loop. Based on the period ratio P1/P2 ~ 1.68, we estimate the density scale height in the loop as ~ 17 Mm. This value is much higher than the equilibrium scale height corresponding to H-alpha temperature, which probably indicates that the cool postflare loop is not in hydrostatic equilibrium. Seismologically estimated Alfv\'en speed outside the loop is ~ 300-330 km/s. The observation of multiple oscillations may play a crucial role in understanding the dynamics of lower solar atmosphere, complementing such oscillations already reported in the upper solar atmosphere (e.g., hot flaring loops)., Comment: 13 pages, 4 figures, accepted in MNRAS

Aims. To study intensity oscillations in the solar chromosphere/corona above a quiet-Sun magnetic network. Methods. We analyse the time series of He II 256.32, Fe XI 188.23 and Fe XII 195.12 spectral lines observed by EUV Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) on board Hinode near the south pole. Then we use a standard wavelet tool to produce power spectra of intensity oscillations above the magnetic network. Results. We get ~7 min intensity oscillations in all spectral lines and ~13 min intensity oscillations only in He II with the probability of ~96-98 %, which probably reflects the process of magneto-acoustic wave propagation above the network. Conclusions. We suggest that field-free cavity areas under bipolar magnetic canopies in the vicinity of magnetic network may serve as resonators for the magneto-acoustic waves. The cavities with photospheric sound speed and granular dimensions may produce the waves with the observed periods. The waves may propagate upwards in the transition region/corona and cause observed intensity oscillations., Comment: 12 pages, 6 figures

Aims. Taking account of steady flow in solar prominences, we study its effects on spatial damping of small-amplitude non-adiabatic magnetoacoustic waves in a homogeneous, isothermal, and unbounded prominence plasma. Methods. We model the typical feature of observed damped oscillatory motion in prominences, removing the adiabaticity assumption through thermal conduction, radiation and heating. Invoking steady flow in MHD equations, we linearise them under small-amplitude approximation and obtain a new general dispersion relation for linear non-adiabatic magnetoacoustic waves in prominences Results. The presence of steady flow breaks the symmetry of forward and backward propagating MHD wave modes in prominences. The steady flow has dramatic influence on the propagation and damping of magnetoacoustic and thermal waves. Depending upon the direction and strength of flow the magnetoacoustic and thermal modes can show both the features of wave amplification and damping. At the wave period of 5 min where the photospheric power is maximum, the slow mode shows wave amplification. However, in the absence of steady flow the slow mode wave shows damping. Conclusions. For the wave period between 5 min and 15 min, the amplification length for slow mode, in the case of prominence regime 1.1, varies between 3.4*10^11 m to 2*10^12 m. Dramatic influence of steady flow on small-amplitude prominence oscillations is likely to play an important role in both wave detection and prominence seismology., Comment: 17 pages; 6 figures, Submitted in A&A

We comment on the work by Chandra and Kumthekar (2007, henceforth CK) which is questionable. In the derivation of dispersion relation, CK neither invoke the concept of vector space nor do they follow the basic criterion for the elimination of perturbation terms under which the damped magnetoacoustic waves are derived., Comment: 4 pages

We consider compressive viscosity and thermal conductivity to study the propagation and dissipation of long period slow longitudinal MHD waves in polar coronal holes. We discuss their likely role in the line profile narrowing, and in the energy budget for coronal holes and the solar wind. We compare the contribution of longitudinal MHD waves with high frequency Alfven waves., Comment: 18 pages, 5 figures

We briefly outline recent observations by solar spacecraft such as Yohkoh, SOHO, TRACE, and RHESSI, which have revolutionized what we know and don't know about the Sun. We then present some significant results, mainly from SUMER/SOHO but also complimentary from the other SOHO's experiments, such as CDS, EIT, UVCS, and LASCO. In particular, we present density-temperature structures, explosive events, velocity anisotropy, wave activity, coronal holes and the solar wind etc. These results have provided valuable clues to a better understanding of the two of the SOHO's principal scientific objectives namely, how the Sun's magnetic energy heats its million-degree corona, and feeds the solar wind., Comment: 24 pages, 15 figures, conference

Considering thermal conduction, compressive viscosity and optically thin radiation as damping mechanisms for MHD waves, we derive a six-order general dispersion relation. We point out a fundamental flaw in the derivation of five-order dispersion relation by Kumar and Kumar (2006) who adopt as a basis vector. The correct definition of the motion in the x-z plane (2-D vector space) stems from the two independent variables, namely ., Comment: 8 pages, 1 figure

We consider viscosity and thermal conductivity as dissipation mechanisms to derive a general dispersion relation for MHD waves propagating in a homogeneous plasma. We show that the actual dispersion relation for MHD waves in a homogeneous medium must be six-order. The finding is in agreement (except some coefficients) with the results of Porter et al. (1994) but it is in disagreement with the previous results obtained by Kumar et al. (2006). We also discuss in detail differences between our approach and those considered by other authors. Accepted, BASI, Comment: 10 pages