Solar magnetic fields - Extended.

Abstract

Spacecraft observations of the interplanetary magnetic field have revealed that almost always each solar rotation can be divided into sectors, within each of which the field has a predominant polarity toward the sun or away from the sun. Comparisons of this interplanetary magnetic sector pattern with observations of the photospheric magnetic field have revealed a similar solar magnetic pattern. The boundaries between solar magnetic sectors are approximately in the north-south direction over a wide range of latitudes on both sides of the equator. This solar magnetic sector structure can be described as a rotating dipole whose magnetic axis makes an angle of approximately 90 deg with the axis of rotation. Possible similarities between this solar-sector magnetism and the models derived from observations of stellar magnetism are discussed.