Dynamo Wave Patterns Inside the Sun Revealed by Torsional Oscillations

TL;DR

This study uses helioseismology data from 1996-2018 to analyze torsional oscillations inside the Sun, revealing patterns of magnetic dynamo waves and providing insights into the solar cycle's internal mechanisms and future activity trends.

Contribution

It identifies the high-latitude tachocline as the primary seat of the solar dynamo and links internal torsional oscillation patterns to magnetic dynamo waves, advancing understanding of solar cycle dynamics.

Findings

Zones of deceleration originate near the tachocline at high latitudes

Patterns of magnetic dynamo waves follow the sunspot butterfly diagram

Current solar cycle shows decreased zonal acceleration

Abstract

Torsional oscillations represent bands of fast and slow zonal flows around the Sun, which extend deep into the convection zone and migrate during solar cycles towards the equator following the sunspot butterfly diagram. Analysis of helioseismology data obtained in 1996-2018 for almost two solar cycles reveals zones of deceleration of the torsional oscillations inside the Sun due to dynamo-generated magnetic field. The zonal deceleration originates near the bottom of the convection zone at high latitudes, and migrates to the surface revealing patterns of magnetic dynamo waves predicted by the Parker's dynamo theory. The analysis reveals that the primary seat of the solar dynamo is located in a high-latitude zone of the tachocline. It suggests a dynamo scenario that can explain 'extended solar cycles' previously observed in the evolving shape of the solar corona. The results show a substantial decrease of the zonal acceleration in the current solar cycle and indicate further decline of activity in the next solar cycle. Although the relationship between the magnitude of zonal deceleration and the amount of emerged toroidal field that leads to formation of sunspots is not yet established, the results open a new perspective for solar cycle modeling and prediction using helioseismology data.