The Internal Solar Angular Velocity: Theory, Observations and Relationship to Solar Magnetic Fields(137 Astrophysics and Space Science Library)

It is clear that the discovery of solar eigenmodes and the resulting possibility of probing the solar interior is an event of primary importance for solar physics in general and for theories of the inner solar angular velocity in particular. While these theories are basic for the understanding of the solar spin down, differential rotation, dynamo and activity, they are however, extremely complex, and in all likelihood only limited further progress could have been achieved without the guidance of observations. Until recently and in spite of the scant observational basis the theoretical work has moved forward as the perusal of this book shows. There cannot be any doubt, however, that the present, rapidly expanding, worldwide observational program will lead ultimately to a vigorous theoretical development of the field. It appeared to the organizers that a meeting centered on theories of the inner solar angular velocity, comprising presentations of the main research areas by the involved scientists, would significantly foster this development since it would help to clarify the basic ideas of the subject. The meeting, held at the National Solar Observatory/Sacramento Peak, from August 11 to August 14, was the eighth in a series of summer symposia at Sacramento Peak. The unqualified success of the meeting could not have been possible without the unlim­ ited devotion of the staff at Sacramento Peak, Ray Smartt, Frank and Pat Hegwer, Ramona Elrod in particular.

Table of Contents:
Problems of the Solar Interior.- 1/Observations.- Observations of Solar P-Mode Rotational Splittings.- Latitude and Depth Variation of Solar Rotation.- Observations of Surface Velocity Fields.- Spacelab experiments on convection in a rotating spherical shell with radial gravity.- The Equatorial Rotation Rate in the Solar Convection Zone.- More Evidence for a Solar Latitude Dependent Limb Temperature Variation.- Fine Structure in Solar Oscillation Spectra.- Chromospheric Activity in Open Clusters.- Full-disk solar dopplergrams observed with a one megapixel CCD camera and sodium magneto-optical filter.- Estimates of the solar internal angular velocity obtained with the Mt. Wilson 60-foot solar tower.- Solar Rotation Variations from Sunspot Group Statistics.- The Detection of Global Convection on the Sun by an Analysis of Line Shift Data of the John M. Wilcox Solar Observatory at Stanford University.- 2/Theory: Normal Modes of Oscillations.- Adiabatic Nonradial Oscillations of a Differentially Rotating Star.- Inertial Oscillations and the Rotation Rate Profile of the Sun.- A Spherical Harmonic Decomposition Technique for Analysing Steady Photospheric Flows.- 3/Theory: Radiative Zone.- The solar-stellar connection: Internal rotation in low-mass stars.- Numerical Studies of Solar Evolution with Rotation and Comparison with Stellar Rotation Data.- Magnetic fields and rotation in late-type stars.- Solar Rotation and Age.- Evolution and Internal Rotation of the Sun.- Angular Momentum Transport in the Radiative Interior of the Sun.- Turbulent transport in the radiative zone of a rotating star.- The Generation of Magnetic Fields in the Sun.- Mass Transport by Wave Motion.- Differential Rotation in Stars.- 4/Theory: Convective Zone.- The Generalization of Mixing Length Theory to Rotating Convection Zones and Applications to the Sun.- A Review of What Numerical Simulations Tell Us About the Internal Rotation of the Sun.- Moment closure for thermal convection: a viable approach?.- Magnetic Activity Complexes, Thermal Relaxation Oscillations, and the Dynamics of the Azimuthal Magnetic Field of a Star.- Magnetic Fields and the Rotation of the Solar Convection Zone.- Hydrostatic Adjustment Time of the Solar Subconvective Layer.- Models for a Differentially Rotating Solar Convection Zone.- Beyond the Mixing-Length Theory: A Turbulent Diffusivity Approach.- Mixing-Length, Shears, and Differential Rotation.- Horizontal Reynolds Stress and Radial Rotation Law of the Sun.