Fine Structure and Formation Mechanism of a Sunspot Bipolar Light Bridge in NOAA AR 13663

TL;DR

This study investigates the fine structure and formation mechanism of a bipolar light bridge in a sunspot, revealing its composition of penumbral filaments and the dynamic interactions of opposite polarity sunspots that lead to its formation.

Contribution

The paper provides high-resolution observations and analysis of a bipolar light bridge, elucidating its fine structure and the physical processes involved in its formation.

Findings

BLB composed of 100-150 km wide penumbral filaments

Stable Doppler velocity pattern with red- and blueshifted patches

BLB formed by compression and stretching of penumbral structures from opposite polarities

Abstract

Bipolar Light Bridges (BLBs) are bright regions located between sunspot umbrae of opposite magnetic polarity. They are typically characterized by strong magnetic fields and intense flows, which are believed to be closely associated with major solar flares. Despite their importance, their fine structure, formation and evolution remain poorly understood. In this work, we analyze the observations of a well-defined BLB obtained by the Goode Solar Telescope at the Big Bear Solar Observatory and the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory. The high-resolution GST observations reveal that the BLB is composed of fine, penumbral filament-like structures with widths of approximately 100-150 km. The corresponding Doppler velocity maps present a stable pattern of spatially adjacent red- and blueshifted patches within the BLB throughout the 5.5-hour GST observation. HMI observations show that the BLB arises from the converging and shearing motions of sunspots with opposite polarities. Penumbral regions originating from different polarities gradually evolve and interact, eventually forming the BLB. The observed Doppler velocity pattern, characterized by red- and blueshifted patches, can be interpreted as a projection effect of the Evershed flow within the penumbrae. Therefore, we argue that the BLB is formed through the compression and stretching of penumbral structures from oppositely polarized sunspots.