On Magnetic Activity Band Overlap, Interaction, and the Formation of Complex Solar Active Regions

TL;DR

This paper proposes a hypothesis linking the interaction of magnetic flux systems within the Sun to the formation of complex active regions, which may lead to severe solar flares and eruptions.

Contribution

It introduces a new hypothesis explaining how magnetic flux interactions inside the Sun lead to complex active regions and potential solar eruptions.

Findings

A hypothesis connecting magnetic flux interaction to active region complexity

Potential link between active region complexity and severe solar eruptions

Insight into the magnetic processes underlying the solar cycle

Abstract

Recent work has revealed an phenomenological picture of the how the $\sim$11-year sunspot cycle of Sun arises. The production and destruction of sunspots is a consequence of the latitudinal-temporal overlap and interaction of the toroidal magnetic flux systems that belong to the 22-year magnetic activity cycle and are rooted deep in the Sun's convective interior. We present a conceptually simple extension of this work, presenting a hypothesis on how complex active regions can form as a direct consequence of the intra- and extra-hemispheric interaction taking place in the solar interior. Furthermore, during specific portions of the sunspot cycle we anticipate that those complex active regions may be particular susceptible to profoundly catastrophic breakdown---producing flares and coronal mass ejections of most severe magnitude.