Global maps of the magnetic field in the solar corona

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel method to map the magnetic field in the solar corona by combining plasma density and wave speed measurements from imaging spectroscopy, revealing field strengths of 1-4 Gauss.

Contribution

It introduces a new approach to determine the coronal magnetic field using spectroscopic observations and wave analysis, overcoming direct measurement challenges.

Findings

Coronal magnetic field strengths are mostly 1-4 Gauss.

Spatial distribution of plasma density and wave phase speed was mapped.

Imaging spectroscopy proves effective for coronal magnetic diagnostics.

Abstract

Understanding many physical processes in the solar atmosphere requires determination of the magnetic field in each atmospheric layer. However, direct measurements of the magnetic field in the Sun's corona are difficult to obtain. Using observations with the Coronal Multi-channel Polarimeter, we have determined the spatial distribution of the plasma density in the corona, and the phase speed of the prevailing transverse magnetohydrodynamic waves within the plasma. We combine these measurements to map the plane-of-sky component of the global coronal magnetic field. The derived field strengths in the corona from 1.05 to 1.35 solar radii are mostly 1-4 Gauss. These results demonstrate the capability of imaging spectroscopy in coronal magnetic field diagnostics.