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Modeling the solar cycle: what the future holds

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 July 2012

Dibyendu Nandy*
Affiliation:
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, Mohanpur 741252, West Bengal, India email: dnandi@iiserkol.ac.in
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Abstract

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Stellar magnetic fields are produced by a magnetohydrodynamic dynamo mechanism working in their interior – which relies on the interaction between plasma flows and magnetic fields. The Sun, being a well-observed star, offers an unique opportunity to test theoretical ideas and models of stellar magnetic field generation. Solar magnetic fields produce sunspots, whose number increases and decreases with a 11 year periodicity – giving rise to what is known as the solar cycle. Dynamo models of the solar cycle seek to understand its origin, variation and evolution with time. In this review, I summarize observations of the solar cycle and describe theoretical ideas and kinematic dynamo modeling efforts to address its origin. I end with a discussion on the future of solar cycle modeling – emphasizing the importance of a close synergy between observational data assimilation, kinematic dynamo models and full magnetohydrodynamic models of the solar interior.

Type
Contributed Papers
Copyright
Copyright © International Astronomical Union 2012

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