Chromospheric Dynamics: Spicules and Waves
Bart De Pontieu
The dynamics of the chromosphere are dominated by waves and spicules,
jet-like features that are propelled upwards at speeds of ~20 km/s
from the photosphere into the low magnetized atmosphere. Spicules have
been a significant challenge to both observers and theorists, mostly
because of their highly dynamic nature and small size, which are close
to current observational limits. The advent of Solar-B will enable the
first seeing-free observations that are of high enough spatial and
tempposter resolution to reveal the intricate links between photospheric
magnetic field and elements, the photospheric flowfield and waves and
chromospheric waves and spicules. The main focus of this talk will be
the advances Solar-B will be able to make in our understanding of the
formation of spicules and their impact on transition region and
corona. To illustrate the issues and methods needed to tackle this
difficult problem, I will present recent work on a synthesis of very
high resolution observations of spicules in active region plage using
the Swedish Solar Telescope (SST, La Palma, Spain) combined with
theoretical modelling of spicule formation.
Correspondence
Bart De Pontieu (bdp@lmsal.com), Lockheed Martin Solar & Astrophysics Lab
presentation
invited