Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Observations of photospheric faculae at the center of the solar disk

  • Published:
Solar Physics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Observations, in the near UV with very high spatial resolution, obtained with the Sacramento Peak Vacuum Tower Telescope, show that photospheric faculae are visible near the center of the disk. Faculae consist of bright point-like structures with typical dimensions of 100–200 km, and appear to be concentrated in the intergranular space. Preliminary results on measurements of size, brightness, life time, and on interaction of facular structures with granulation are presented, which support the view that faculae are identical with the recently discovered ‘solar filigree.’ Phenomenological arguments are discussed concerning the suggestion that facular points may represent magnetic flux concentrations in the photosphere.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Beckers, J. M. and Schröter, E. H.: 1969, Solar Phys. 10, 384.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bray, R. J. and Loughhead, R. E.: 1961, Australian J. Phys. 14, 14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bray, R. J. and Loughhead, R. E.: 1964, Sunspots, Chapman and Hall, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ten Bruggencate, P.: 1950, Z. Astrophys. 19, 59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bruzek, A.: 1972, Solar Phys. 26, 94.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chapman, G. A.: 1970a, Solar Phys. 13, 78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chapman, G. A.: 1970b, Solar Phys. 14, 315.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chapman, G. A. and Sheeley, N. R.: 1968, Solar Phys. 5, 442

    Google Scholar 

  • Danielson, R. E.: 1961, Astrophys. J. 134, 289.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dunn, R. B.: 1970, in IAU Colloquium No. 11, Science Research Council Publ. Royal Obs. Edinburgh, p. 37.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dunn, R. B. and Zirker, J. B.: 1973, Solar Phys. 33, 281.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frazier, E. N. and Stenflo, J. O.: 1972, Solar Phys. 27, 330.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harvey, J. W.: 1973, private communication.

  • Harvey, J. W. and Breckinridge, J. B.: 1973, Astrophys. J. 182, L137.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harvey, J. W. and Livingston, W. C.: 1969, Solar Phys. 10, 283.

    Google Scholar 

  • Livingston, W. C. and Harvey, J. W.: 1969, Solar Phys. 10, 294.

    Google Scholar 

  • Loughhead, R. E. and Bray, R. J.: 1959, Australian J. Phys. 12, 97.

    Google Scholar 

  • Macris, C.: 1953, Ann. Astrophys. 16, 19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Müller, R.: 1973, Solar Phys. 29, 55.

    Google Scholar 

  • Öhman, Y.: 1950, Stockholm Obs. Medd. Nr. 65.

  • Rogers, E. H.: 1970, Solar Phys. 13, 57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sheeley, N. R.: 1969, Solar Phys. 2, 347.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmahl, G.: 1967, Z. Astrophys. 66, 81.

    Google Scholar 

  • Simon, G. W. and Zirker, J. B.: 1974, Solar Phys. 33, 281.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stenflo, J. O.: 1973, Solar Phys. 32, 41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vrabec, D.: 1973, private communication.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sacramento Peak Observatory, Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories, 88349, Sunspot, N.M., U.S.A.

    J. P. Mehltretter

Authors
  1. J. P. Mehltretter
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

National Research Council Research Associate, now at Fraunhofer Institut, Freiburg i. Br., F.R.G.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Mehltretter, J.P. Observations of photospheric faculae at the center of the solar disk. Sol Phys 38, 43–57 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00161822

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00161822

Keywords

Search

Navigation