Long-Term Solar Variability (LSV) Section
The Sun as a Dynamo
To seek the theoretical explanation of the cyclic evolution of the solar magnetic features, in the past an oscillatory dynamo in the Sun was postulated. Nowadays it is widely accepted that a magnetohydrodynamic dynamo is indeed responsible for generating and maintaining the magnetic fields of the Sun in the solar convection zone and neighboring layers. This means that the fluid flow of highly conducting plasma there maintains electric currents and (by Amperes law) associated magnetic fields against ohmic dissipation. The history of dynamo theory applied to the sun goes back more than 50 years, to pioneering papers of Eugene Parker.
HAO scientists have been involved in a broad range of Dynamo research throughout the years. Read More »
Currently, HAO scientists are carrying out theoretical and observational studies of solar-stellar magnetic activity cycles, focusing on magnetic flux transport processes by meridional circulation and other turbulent transport mechanisms. Read More »
See Profiles in Science pages for Giuliana de Toma, Mausumi Dikpati, Savita Mathur, Mark Miesch, and Matthias Rempel.