The magnetic field is the most important factor that determines the structure and evolution of the solar corona, a fundamental parameter for solar and stellar physics. With its advanced polarimetric capabilities, EST will allow better observations of the coronal magnetic field. A post by Dr. David Kuridze, from Aberystwyth University (UK).
The magnetic field is the single most important factor that determines the structure and evolution of solar and stellar coronae. It is a fundamental parameter for solar and stellar physics, plasma physics, and space weather research. While measurements of the magnetic field in the solar photosphere are made routinely, measurements of the outer atmosphere’s magnetic field are rare and uncertain.
During September 2017, the Sun produced the most powerful flares and explosions of solar cycle 24. Luckily, these events were observed with the Swedish 1-m Solar Telescope on La Palma, Spain. We succeeded in observing magnetic loop structures that formed in the aftermath of a large solar flare.
The previuos image shows the flare coronal arcade captured by our observations. The brightness of the loops allowed a uniquely clean estimate of the magnetic field strength to be made, and the resolution gave unprecedented details.
This result is important for the upcoming 4-m European Solar Telescope. With its advanced polarimetric capabilities, EST will provide powerful diagnostics of the coronal magnetic field.
For more details of this observation, check this article.