Space Science Reviews

, Volume 61, Issue 3–4, pp 393–417 | Cite as

Coronal streamers

  • Serge Koutchmy
  • Moissei Livshits
Article
Received:

Abstract

The general significance of streamers of the solar corona is discussed in the frame of our knowledge of the solar wind phenomenon and the large-scale solar magnetic structure. Thermodynamical and geometric parameters of streamers observed and measured at total solar eclipses are reviewed. Both the low part (in the form of a helmet with a cusp) and the external part (in the form of a stalk extended at many solar radii) are considered. The modelling of streamers starts with the analysis of effects produced by the solar wind flow on a magnetic structure. Facts and arguments are presented in favor of a model with a current sheet and reconnection processes going on along the axis of the streamer, especially in the non-collisional part of the radially extended streamer. Further development of the Pneuman and Kopp (1971) model is discussed, including difficulties occurring in the interpretation of a stationary solution. An empirical model satisfying observations is presented. Future researchs on streamers were discussed with emphasis on observations to be done with the space-borne coronagraphs on the SOHO spacecraft.

Keywords

Solar Wind General Significance Stationary Solution Magnetic Structure Current Sheet 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Kluwer Academic Publishers 1992

Authors and Affiliations

  • Serge Koutchmy
    • 1
  • Moissei Livshits
    • 2
  1. 1.Institut d'AstrophysiqueCNRSParisFrance
  2. 2.IZMIRANTroïtsk, Moscow RegionRussia

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