The velocity pattern of weak solar magnetic fields

• Published in: Solar physics Vol. 115; no. 2 19; pp. 205 - 219
• Main Authors: Wang, H., Zirin, H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Legacy CDMS Reidel 01-01-1988
• Subjects: Astronomy; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Other topics on the solar system; Solar Physics; Solar system; Supergranule; Correlation analysis; Chromospheric network; Magnetogram; Magnetic structure; Velocity distribution; Autocorrelation; Solar magnetic field; Proper motion
• ISSN: 0038-0938; 1573-093X
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00148723

The proper motion of magnetic elements on the quiet sun has been measured by means of local correlation tracking. The existence of a pattern in the intranetwork (IN) flow is confirmed. This velocity field is consistent with the direct Doppler measurement of the horizontal component of the supergranular velocity field. The IN elements generally move toward the network boundaries. By tracking test points, it is confirmed that the magnetic elements converge in areas corresponding to the magnetic network. But because the IN elements are of random polarity, they cannot contribute to the growth or maintenance of the magnetic network. By calculating the cross correlation between the magnetogram and Dopplergram, it is confirmed that the supergranule boundaries and the magnetic network are roughly correlated.