The Sun’s General Magnetic Field

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Abstract
The solar magnetic field, including the interplanetary field is discussed. It is pointed out that in the absence of a theory of the Zeeman-effect in a turbulent atmosphere it is at present impossible to derive a value of the sun’s general magnetic field from spectroscopic measurements. From the magneto-hydrodynamic theory of sunspots a value of the sun’s general magnetic field can be derived. Ananthakrisnan’s diagrams of the prominence activity can be interpreted as due to the same disturbance wave as is causing the sunspots. This gives further confirmation to the theory, which indicates magnetic field of Hp = 12 gauss. The magnetic field outside the sun (interplanetary field) is certainly far from a dipole field. An approximate model of the field is tentatively suggested. This model is in agreement with information derived from cosmic ray and magnetic storm data and is also reconcilable with the coronal ray structure.

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