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Published on: March 2, 2021
Numerical models of sunspot formation and fine structure
1High Altitude Observatory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO 80307, USA. rempel@ucar.edu
Summary
Sunspots reveal solar magnetism, linking the photosphere to the solar interior dynamo. Recent advances in observations and numerical modeling enhance our understanding of sunspot formation, evolution, and fine structures.
Area of Science:
- Solar physics
- Stellar magnetism
- Plasma astrophysics
Background:
- Sunspots are crucial for understanding solar and stellar magnetism.
- They connect the photosphere's magnetic field to the solar interior's dynamo processes.
- Studying sunspots provides insight into convective energy transport interacting with magnetic fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent progress in understanding sunspots.
- Focus on advancements in observational and theoretical approaches.
- Highlight the role of numerical modeling in sunspot research.
Main Methods:
- Advanced ground- and space-based observations.
- High-resolution numerical simulations of sunspots.
- Helioseismic inversion techniques and seismic forward modeling.
Main Results:
- Detailed resolution of umbral dots and penumbral filaments.
- Discovery of similarities in substructures of sunspot fine features.
- Feasibility of simulating entire sunspots with fine structure resolution.
- New insights into sunspot subsurface structure.
Conclusions:
- Substantial progress has been made in both observational and theoretical aspects of sunspot research.
- Numerical modeling is increasingly capable of resolving complex sunspot phenomena.
- Combined observational and modeling approaches offer a comprehensive view of sunspots.
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