Work

A Unified Picture of Swirl-driven Solar Coronal Heating: Magnetic Energy Supply and Dissipation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The coronal heating problem is one of the most critical challenges in solar physics. Recent observations have revealed that small-scale swirls are ubiquitous in the photosphere and chromosphere, suggesting that they may play a significant role in transferring magnetic energy into the corona. However, the overall contribution of swirls to the total magnetic energy supply and subsequent coronal heating remains uncertain. To address this, we perform statistical analyses of simulated swirls using a three-dimensional radiative magnetohydrodynamic simulation extending from the convection zone to the corona in the quiet Sun. Our results reveal that swirls account for approximately half of the total magnetic energy. Furthermore, they strongly suggest that swirls can trigger coronal heating events through magnetic reconnection. The occurrence frequency of these events follows a power-law-like distribution, consistent with observations of coronal heating signatures known as “nanoflares,” indicating that swirls are promising candidates as their drivers.

Source: The Astrophysical Journal Letters

DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/adfc61

Authors: Hidetaka Kuniyoshi, Shinsuke Imada, Takaaki Yokoyama

Institutions: Northumbria University, The University of Tokyo, Kyoto University

Language: English

Topic: Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,400