Sunspot, computer model. Sunspots are cooler regions of the Sun's surface that appear dark against their brighter, hotter surroundings. They are conce
Sunspot, computer model. Sunspots are cooler regions of the Sun's surface that appear dark against their brighter, hotter surroundings. They are concentrations of magnetic field and comprise a central cool umbra surrounded by warmer radial filaments, the penumbra. This model, based on a pair of sunspots, shows that the radial filaments result from hot plasma being guided outwards by a strong magnetic field with an inclination to the vertical exceeding 45 degrees. In this image the velocity of the outflow is colour-coded: red is a velocity of eight kilometres per second, going through pink to white, which is zero velocity, through light blue to dark blue, which is a velocity of negative 8 kilometres per second.
Size: 2964px × 2953px
Photo credit: © UNIVERSITY CORPORATION FOR ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: anisotropy, astronomical, astronomy, astrophysical, astrophysics, computer, convective, cool, field, filamentous, flow, hot, inclined, magnetic, model, numerical, outflow, penumbra, physics, plasma, radial, region, research, simulation, solar, sun, sunspot, surface, umbra, velocity
