Global constant-alpha force-free magnetic fields and coronal structures

Abstract

Nakagawa's (1973) general formulation of constant-alpha global force-free magnetic fields is used to examine the topological characteristics of axisymmetric constant-alpha fields with specific reference to solar EUV, XUV, and X-ray structures observed from Skylab. The theoretical formulation is briefly summarized, and topological characteristics of the field lines are analyzed. The results are compared with X-ray observations of a large coronal arch and white-light observations of a coronal transient. It is concluded that global-scale force-free magnetic fields are present in the solar atmosphere and that their topological characteristics differ significantly from those of potential fields.