Evidence of separator reconnection in a survey of X-ray bright points

Citation
Dw. Longcope et al., Evidence of separator reconnection in a survey of X-ray bright points, ASTROPHYS J, 553(1), 2001, pp. 429-439
Citations number
30
Categorie Soggetti
Space Sciences
Journal title
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
ISSN journal
0004637X → ACNP
Volume
553
Issue
1
Year of publication
2001
Part
1
Pages
429 - 439
Database
ISI
SICI code
0004-637X(20010520)553:1<429:EOSRIA>2.0.ZU;2-8
Abstract
X-ray bright points are among the simplest coronal structures hypothesized to be powered by magnetic reconnection. Their magnetic held appears to cons ist of a simple loop of field lines connecting positive to negative photosp heric sources. Quantitative three-dimensional models of reconnection in thi s geometry are therefore expected to apply directly to X-ray bright points. We assemble a survey from archival Solar and Heliospheric Observatory data of 764 X-ray bright points (EUV Imaging Telescope) along with their associ ated photospheric magnetic fields (Solar Oscillation Imager/Michelson Doppl er Imager). Measurements are made of each quantity relevant to the simple t hree-dimensional reconnection model. These data support several predictions of a magnetic reconnection model providing further evidence in favor of th e hypothesis that magnetic reconnection supplies heating power to the quiet solar corona.