Coronal hole boundaries evolution at small scales: I. EIT 195 A and TRACE 171 A view

TL;DR

This study investigates the small-scale boundary evolution of equatorial coronal holes using EUV imaging, revealing that bright points and magnetic reconnection drive continuous, dynamic changes at these boundaries.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the small-scale magnetic and structural dynamics of coronal hole boundaries using combined TRACE and EIT observations.

Findings

Bright points are key to boundary evolution.

Coronal holes exhibit significant day-to-day and hour-to-hour changes.

No major energy release signatures were observed during loop evolution.

Abstract

We aim at studying the small-scale evolution at the boundaries of an equatorial coronal hole connected with a channel of open magnetic flux with the polar region and an `isolated' one in the extreme-ultraviolet spectral range. We intend to determine the spatial and temporal scale of these changes. Imager data from TRACE in the Fe IX/X 171 A passband and EIT on-board Solar and Heliospheric Observatory in the Fe XII 195 A passband were analysed. We found that small-scale loops known as bright points play an essential role in coronal holes boundaries evolution at small scales. Their emergence and disappearance continuously expand or contract coronal holes. The changes appear to be random on a time scale comparable with the lifetime of the loops seen at these temperatures. No signature was found for a major energy release during the evolution of the loops. Although coronal holes seem to maintain their general shape during a few solar rotations, a closer look at their day-by-day and even hour-by-hour evolution demonstrates a significant dynamics. The small-scale loops (10" - 40" and smaller) which are abundant along coronal hole boundaries have a contribution to the small-scale evolution of coronal holes. Continuous magnetic reconnection of the open magnetic field lines of the coronal hole and the closed field lines of the loops in the quiet Sun is more likely to take place.