Authors: Charles Fred Driscoll (UCSD)
A model of “charge-electric” energization of the Solar Wind and Corona is developed, including electro-magnetic particle effects precluded by traditional magneto-hydro (MHD) assumptions. This model gives quantitative agreement with the 4.keV maximum proton Wind energies measured by Ulysses (out of the ecliptic), and with the recent PSP eVDF signatures of static electric potential from 15 to 80*Rsun. This provides a tractable answer to the NASA/ESA big mission question of “What heats the solar Corona and energizes the Solar Wind ?”, namely “Electric fields from the net charge within the Sun”
Using a standard 1-D radial model for Core particle density and temperature (Bahcall 2005), two electric effects are calculated.
1) The well-known “gravito-electric” field in the collisional Core (Pannekoek 1924) is calculated, as required to contain the electrons in a static 2-fluid equilibrium. This integrates radially to 77.Coulombs of displaced electrons.
2) Additional electrons are displaced out of the plasma Sheath beneath the Photosphere, due to drag from the immense flow (64.MW/m2) of electro-magnetic energy (light and heat). The “photo-electron” scattering cross-section sge is exceedingly large in the recombination Sheath, but varies widely depending on the electron-proton particle correlations. However, a new “virial limit” sets the maximal total charge (460.C) and electric potential in relation to gravity; and this maximal potential gives quantitative agreement with the satellite data.
Energetically, the resulting DC surface potential of +6.keV can accelerate protons out of the -2.keV gravity well and up to the 4. keV energies observed in the Fast Solar Wind. This electrical energy is dynamically released in pervasive “lightning Jets”, which are pinched proton beams penetrating the neutral hydrogen Atmosphere, broadly charge-neutralized by co-propagating electrons. These Jets glow as the pervasive (~10^7) filamentary “Spicules” covering the solar surface, with initiation points related to the fluid “granulation” cells. The Jets heat the outer Atmosphere and form the turbulent Corona, generating strong local magnetic fields from the ~10^9 Amps of proton and electron currents in each Jet.
The electric perspective informs the surprising days-long “levitation” of glowing prominences, and may help explain the intermittent, larger-scale “space weather” events. More broadly, it also may inform the theory perspectives on the gaseous birth, plasma ionization, stable burning, and unstable collapse of the myriad types of stars.
C.F. Driscoll, “The electric fields and “lightning jets” of the Sun and Solar Wind”, Physics of Plasmas, 30, 102903 (2023); doi: 10.1063/5.0139215 . NNP.ucsd.edu/Solar/