Abstract
THE solar atmosphere provides an interesting possibility for the study of low frequency waves both in magnetic and nonmagnetic regions, and the most spectacular result (see ref. 1) has been the discovery of waves propagating outwards over sun-spot penumbrae with periods of 180–240 s, horizontal wavelengths of 2,350–3,800 km, and horizontal phase velocities of 12–25 km s−1. The theoretical interpretation of these waves has aroused considerable interest and, in particular, a number of authors have attempted to identify the precise mode of wave propagation involved. The modes proposed include Alfvén waves1, acoustic waves2, Lamb waves3, and magnetogravity waves of the ‘plus’ type vertically trapped at photospheric levels4. In the face of so many possibilities, further progress will probably depend on a more adequate observational knowledge of the actual propagation characteristics of the penumbral waves. Of special importance would be a determination of the direction of the particle velocity with respect to the wave propagation vector.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Giovanelli, R. G., I.A.U. Symposium, 56, 137–151 (Reidel, Dordrecht, 1974).
Zirin, H., and Stein, A., Astrophys. J. Lett., 178, L85–L87 (1972).
Zhugzhda, Y. D., Astrophys. Lett., 15, 119–124 (1973).
Nye, A. H., and Thomas, J. H., Sol. Phys., 38, 399–413 (1974).
Eriksen, G., and Maltby, P., Astrophys. J., 148, 833–843 (1967).
Maltby, P., Sol. Phys., 5, 3–14 (1968).
Maltby, P., Astrophys. norv., 8, 205–270 (1964).
Loughhead, R. E., Sol. Phys., 38, 77–89 (1974).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
MALTBY, P. Mode of propagation of penumbral waves. Nature 257, 468–469 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1038/257468a0
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/257468a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.