Zero points of the magnetic field in the solar atmosphere

Examples of saddle structures observed in images of the Sun in H alpha, sof t X-ray (YOHKOH SXT), and ultraviolet (SOHO EIT) emission are presented. Si nce the plasma distribution is controlled by the magnetic field, the saddle s testify to the presence of hyperbolic singularities in the magnetic field . Such singularities play an important role in the theory of dare energy re lease. It is usually supposed that conditions for the development of curren t sheets arise in them, leading to magnetic reconnection, which transforms magnetic energy into thermal and kinetic energy. The observed saddle struct ures can correspond either to two-dimensional or three dimensional magnetic -field singularities, depending on the geometry, projection, symmetry, and so on. In nearly all cases, the central parts of the saddles remain dark, a nd do not exhibit additional energy release.