Astronomy and astrophysics

Understanding the solar chromosphere through 3D MHD modeling and 3D non-LTE radiative transfer

by Jorrit Leenaarts (Stockholm University)

Europe/Stockholm
FA31

FA31

Description
The solar chromosphere is the interface between the convective interior of the Sun and the magnetic corona. The chromosphere guides and regulates the mass, energy and magnetic flux flow to the corona and is the source of the bulk of the UV radiation impinging on Earth. It also serves as a close-up example of stellar chromospheres. I will discuss 3D time-dependent MHD models of the solar chromosphere performed with the Bifrost stellar atmosphere code developed at the University of Oslo. In addition I will discuss recent progress in understanding the formation of spectral lines in the chromosphere. In particular I will show how 3D radiation effects cause the appearance of the chromosphere as seen in the H-alpha line. If time permits I'll discuss early results from the IRIS satellite, a NASA SMEX observatory that was launched on June 27, 2013.