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Mullan, D. J.

Publications and source records attributed to Mullan, D. J..

64 records · Page 4
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NASA NTRS1974

Sunspot models with Alfven wave emission

Sunspot models have been computed on the assumption that the missing flux is transported by undissipated Alfven waves. In order to estimate the flux of these waves, we propose an extension of Opik's cellular model of convection to include the effects of a vertical magnetic field on horizontal gas flow. Horizontal motions, not vertical motions, are impeded more or less severely depending on the electrical conductivity, and this reduces the convective flux. These motions, however, shake the field lines; this is assumed to be a source of Alfven waves, compensating for the reduction in the convective flux. The free parameter D/H (ratio of cell diameter to cell depth) is adjusted such that the total sum of radiative, convective, and Alfven wave fluxes remains constant at all depths and equals the undisturbed solar flux entering the spot from below. Our treatment is speculative to some extent, but it leads to a unique spot model for a given field strength.

Mullan, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Magnetic fields in the sun

The observed properties of solar magnetic fields are reviewed, with particular reference to the complexities imposed on the field by motions of the highly conducting gas. Turbulent interactions between gas and field lead to heating or cooling of the gas according to whether the field energy density is less or greater than the maximum kinetic energy density in the convection zone. The field strength above which cooling sets in is 700 gauss. A weak solar dipole field may be primeval, but dynamo action is also important in generating new flux. The dynamo is probably not confined to the convection zone, but extends throughout most of the volume of the sun. Planetary tides appear to play a role in driving the dynamo.

Mullan, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Flare triggering by coherent oscillations.

The coherent oscillations observed by Tanaka (1972) are shown to carry very high mechanical-energy fluxes of the order of 9.5 to 45 gigaergs/sq cm per sec. This energy can provide all of the energy expended in a large flare, or at least can be used to trigger a flare. The oscillations are assumed to be free modes of the sun, as described by Wolff (1972), and they are expected to be preferentially excited in the plages where large magnetic fields provide conditions favorable to rapid growth times. The energy driving the coherent oscillations may be derived from the flux deficit of sunspots in the plage.

Mullan, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Fast rotation of metal-poor stars.

An interpretation of the observed decrease in rotational velocity with increasing metal abundance is presented in terms of a more vigorous coronal mass loss in metal-rich stars. Quantitative agreement with observations is achieved with simple assumptions.

Mullan, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Correction of sunspot intensities for scattered light

Correction of sunspot intensities for scattered light usually involves fitting theoretical curves to observed aureoles (Zwaan, 1965; Staveland, 1970, 1972). In this paper we examine the inaccuracies in the determination of scattered light by this method. Earlier analyses are extended to examine uncertainties due to the choice of the expression for limb darkening. For the spread function, we consider Lorentzians and Gaussians for which analytic expressions for the aureole can be written down. Lorentzians lead to divergence and normalization difficulties, and should not be used in scattered light determinations. Gaussian functions are more suitable.

Mullan, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

On the possibility of constructing a radiative sunspot model in magnetohydrostatic equilibrium.

It is currently believed that it is impossible to construct a radiative sunspot model in magnetohydrostatic equilibrium unless magnetic fields below the surface are excessively large (greater than 100 kG). This belief is based on results obtained using the mixing length theory of convection. We wish to point out that by using a different theory of convection, due to Opik (1950), it is possible to compute a radiative sunspot model in which the field becomes no greater than 9000 G. By applying two boundary conditions (depth of spot equals depth of convection zone, and magnetic field has zero gradient at the base of the spot) we show that a radiative spot has a unique effective temperature for a given Wilson depression.

Mullan, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Can oscillations grow in a sunspot umbra.

Umbral flashes and running penumbral waves have been attributed by Moore (1972) to overstable oscillations in the umbra. His numerical results were derived by inserting physical conditions at two particular depths beneath the umbral surface. Seven variables must be specified at each point. We have extended Moore's analysis to examine the depth-dependence of overstable oscillations in a recently computed umbral model. Electrical conductivity is evaluated taking full account of partial ionization and magnetic fields. In the surface layers, within 250 km of the top of the umbral convection zone, the conductivity is so low that Joule dissipation is more rapid than the growth rate of oscillations. In these layers, Moore's results are therefore not applicable. At greater depths, oscillations can grow and we agree with Moore that both umbral flashes and penumbral waves may be due to overstable oscillations. However, we suggest that both phenomena can arise at the same depth in the spot, and not in two layers, as Moore suggests.

Mullan, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Are penumbral filaments convection rolls.

The occurrence of strong magnetic fields in dark filaments in sunspot penumbrae is shown to be only marginally consistent with the hypothesis of penumbral convection rolls. Convection rolls are not permitted if the field in dark filaments exceeds that in bright filaments by more than 2%. The upper limit to this excess may be as small as 0.8% if not in fact negative.

Mullan, D. J.↗