Statistical analysis of the very quiet Sun magnetism

TL;DR

This paper investigates the magnetic fields of the very quiet Sun by analyzing polarization signals at various resolutions, revealing that most signals are resolution-independent and that Zeeman and Hanle methods offer complementary insights.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the organization of quiet Sun magnetism and demonstrates the complementarity of Zeeman and Hanle diagnostics across spatial scales.

Findings

80% of polarization signals are resolution-independent

Magnetic field exhibits a cascade of spatial scales within resolution elements

Zeeman effect is sensitive to microturbulent fields associated with Hanle diagnostics

Abstract

The behavior of the observed polarization amplitudes with spatial resolution is a strong constraint on the nature and organization of solar magnetic fields below the resolution limit. We study the polarization of the very quiet Sun at different spatial resolutions using ground- and space-based observations. It is shown that 80% of the observed polarization signals do not change with spatial resolution, suggesting that, observationally, the very quiet Sun magnetism remains the same despite the high spatial resolution of space-based observations. Our analysis also reveals a cascade of spatial scales for the magnetic field within the resolution element. It is manifest that the Zeeman effect is sensitive to the microturbulent field usually associated to Hanle diagnostics. This demonstrates that Zeeman and Hanle studies show complementary perspectives of the same magnetism.