Solar Magnetism: The State of Our Knowledge and Ignorance

We review some longstanding scientific mysteries related to solar magnetism, with final attention to the mystery of the “turbulent diffusion” essential for the theoretical α ω -dynamo that is believed to be the source of the magnetic fields of the Sun. Fundamental difficulties with the concept of tu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Space science reviews 2009-04, Vol.144 (1-4), p.15-24
Main Author: Parker, E. N.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aerospace Technology and Astronautics
Astrophysics
Astrophysics and Astroparticles
Earth, ocean, space
Eddy diffusion
Exact sciences and technology
Magnetic fields
Magnetism
Physics
Physics and Astronomy
Planetology
Space Exploration and Astronautics
Space Sciences (including Extraterrestrial Physics
Sun
Turbulence
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Summary:We review some longstanding scientific mysteries related to solar magnetism, with final attention to the mystery of the “turbulent diffusion” essential for the theoretical α ω -dynamo that is believed to be the source of the magnetic fields of the Sun. Fundamental difficulties with the concept of turbulent diffusion of magnetic fields suggest that the solar dynamo problem needs to be reformulated. An alternative dynamo model is proposed, but it remains to be shown that the model can provide the quantitative aspects of the cyclic magnetic fields of the Sun.
ISSN:0038-6308
1572-9672
DOI:10.1007/s11214-008-9445-x