ASPCS
 
Back to Volume
Paper: Does Magnetic Helicity Affect Active Region Evolution and Energetics?
Volume: 454, The 3rd Hinode Science Meeting
Page: 281
Authors: Wallace, A. J.; Green, L. M.; Mandrini, C. H.; Démoulin, P.; van Driel-Gesztelyi, L.; Matthews, S. A.
Abstract: The purpose of this investigation is to determine whether there is a difference between the evolution of an active region with additional new flux emergence if the new flux has either the same or the opposite sign of magnetic helicity from the active region. Of these two scenarios, the one that produces the most energetics is still a topic for debate. We present a study of two active regions following the emergence of a bipole, one with the same and one with the opposite sign of helicity from the active region. We discover that while there is less flaring in the mixed helicity active region the EUV flux normalised to the magnetic field is three times higher than that of the same helicity active region. We propose that reconnection is more likely to occur between opposite helicity structures and thus, the energy can never build up to the levels required for flaring.
Back to Volume