SIMILARITY STRUCTURE OF SUNSPOTS AND A MAGNETOHYDROSTATIC SPOT MODEL

Previous investigations of empirical and theoretical magnetohydrostati c models for sunspots of various sizes and temperatures are extended. The radial profile of the magnetic field in the sunspot and the coordi nate of the screening magnetic surface do not directly affect the mode l and only change a scaling factor for the system. However, these quan tities determine the magnetic field intensity in the center of the spo t, which is the basic parameter distinguishing sunspots. A simple quad ratic height dependence of the cross sectional area of the magnetic fl ux tube in a sunspot is derived and provides a quite satisfactory agre ement between the empirical and theoretical distributions. The constru ction of a standard magnetostatic sunspot model is discussed.