Signature of Collision of Magnetic Flux Tubes in the Quiet Solar Photosphere

TL;DR

This study observes magnetic flux tube collisions in the quiet solar photosphere, linking these events to localized plasma waves and oscillatory power increases, which may contribute to solar atmosphere heating.

Contribution

It provides observational evidence of flux tube collisions and associated plasma dynamics in the quiet Sun, supporting theoretical models of magnetic interactions.

Findings

Detection of horizontal plasma waves spreading from bright points

Increase in oscillatory power following wave events

Correlation between flux tube collisions and localized heating phenomena

Abstract

Collision of the magnetic flux tubes in the Quiet Sun was proposed as one of the possible sources for the heating of the solar atmosphere (Furusawa and Sakai, 2000). The solar photosphere was observed using the New Solar Telescope ad Big Bear Solar Observatory. In TiO spectral line at 705.68 nm we approached resolution of 0.1". The horizontal plasma wave was observed spreading from the larger bright point. Shorty after this wave an increase in the oscillatory power appeared at the same location as the observed bright point. This behavior matches some of the results from the simulation of the collision of the two flux tubes with a weak current.