arXiv subjects

Dipankar Banerjee

Publications and source records attributed to Dipankar Banerjee.

99 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

arXiv2015

Propagating Disturbances in The Solar Corona and Spicular Connection

Spicules are small hairy like structures seen at the solar limb mainly at chromospheric and transition region lines. They generally live for 3-10 minutes. We observe these spicules in a south polar region of the Sun with a coordinated observations using the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) and the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) instruments on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory. Propagating disturbances (PDs) are observed everywhere in the polar off-limb regions of the Sun at coronal heights. From this simultaneous observations we show that the spicules and the PDs may be originated by a common process. From space-time maps we find that the start of the trajectory of PDs is almost co-temporal with the time of the rise of the spicular envelope as seen by IRIS slit-jaw images at 2796 °A and 1400 A° . During the return of spicular material, brightenings are seen in AIA 171 °A and 193 °A images. The quasi-periodic nature of the spicular activity as revealed by the IRIS spectral image sequences and its relation to coronal PDs as recorded by the coronal AIA channels suggest that they have a common origin. We propose that reconnection like processes generate the spicules and waves simultaneously. The waves escape while the cool spicular material falls back

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arXiv2015

Dynamics of on-disk plumes as observed with Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, Atmospheric Imaging Assembly and Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager

We examine the role of small-scale transients in the formation and evolution of solar coronal plumes. We study the dynamics of plume footpoints seen in the vicinity of a coronal hole using the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) images, the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) magnetogram on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and spectroscopic data from the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS). Quasi-periodic brightenings are observed in the base of the plumes and are associated with magnetic flux changes. With the high spectral and spatial resolution of IRIS, we identify the sources of these oscillations and try to understand what role the transients at the foot points can play in sustaining the coronal plumes. IRIS sit and stare observation provide a unique opportunity to study the evolution of foot points of the plumes. We notice enhanced line width, intensity and large deviation from the average Doppler shift in the line profiles at specific instances which indicate the presence of flows at the foot points of plumes. We propose that outflows (jet-like features) as a result of small scale reconnections affect the line profiles. These jet-like features may be also responsible for the generation of propagating disturbances within the plumes which are observed to be propagating to larger distances as recorded from multiple AIA channels. These propagating disturbances can be explained in terms of slow magnetoacoustic waves.

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arXiv2015

Correlation between Decay Rate and Amplitude of Solar Cycles as Revealed from Observations and Dynamo Theory

Using different proxies of solar activity, we have studied the following features of solar cycle. (i) A linear correlation between the amplitude of cycle and its decay rate, (ii) a linear correlation between the amplitude of cycle $n$ and the decay rate of cycle $(n - 1)$ and (iii) an anti-correlation between the amplitude of cycle $n$ and the period of cycle $(n - 1)$. Features (ii) and (iii) are very useful because they provide precursors for future cycles. We have reproduced these features using a flux transport dynamo model with stochastic fluctuations in the Babcock-Leighton $α$ effect and in the meridional circulation. Only when we introduce fluctuations in meridional circulation, we are able to reproduce different observed features of solar cycle. We discuss the possible reasons for these correlations.

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arXiv2015

Quasi-Periodic Oscillation of a Coronal Bright Point

Coronal bright points (BPs) are small-scale luminous features seen in the solar corona. Quasi-periodic brightenings are frequently observed in the BPs and are generally linked with underneath magnetic flux changes. We study the dynamics of a BP seen in the coronal hole using the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) images, the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) magnetogram on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and spectroscopic data from the newly launched Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS). The detailed analysis shows that the BP evolves throughout our observing period along with changes in underlying photospheric magnetic flux and shows periodic brightenings in different EUV and FUV images. With highest possible spectral and spatial resolution of IRIS, we attempted to identify the sources of these oscillations. IRIS sit and stare observation provided a unique opportunity to study the time evolution of one foot point of the BP as the slit position crossed it. We noticed enhanced line profile asymmetry, enhanced line width, intensity enhancements and large deviation from the average Doppler shift in the line profiles at specific instances which indicate the presence of sudden flows along the line of sight direction. We propose that transition region explosive events (EEs) originating from small scale reconnections and the reconnection outflows are affecting the line profiles. The correlation between all these parameters is consistent with the repetitive reconnection scenario and could explain the quasi-periodic nature of the brightening.

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arXiv2015

Flows and Waves in Braided Solar Coronal Magnetic Structures

We study the high frequency dynamics in the braided magnetic structure of an active region (AR 11520) moss as observed by High-Resolution Coronal Imager (Hi-C). We detect quasi periodic flows and waves in these structures. We search for high frequency dynamics while looking at power maps of the observed region. We find that shorter periodicites (30 - 60 s) are associated with small spatial scales which can be resolved by Hi-C only. We detect quasi periodic flows with wide range of velocities from 13 - 185 km/s associated with braided regions. This can be interpreted as plasma outflows from reconnection sites. We also find presence of short period and large amplitude transverse oscillations associated with braided magnetic region. Such oscillations could be triggered by reconnection or such oscillation may trigger reconnection.

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arXiv2014

Polar Network Index as a magnetic proxy for the solar cycle studies

The Sun has a polar magnetic field which oscillates with the 11 year sunspot cycle. This polar magnetic field is an important component of the dynamo process which is operating in the solar convection zone and produces the sunspot cycle. We have systematic direct measurements of the Sun's polar magnetic field only from about mid 1970s. There are, however, indirect proxies which give us information about this field at earlier times. The Ca K spectroheliograms taken in Kodaikanal Solar Observatory during 1904 - 2007 have now been digitized with the 4k x 4k CCD and have higher resolution (0.86 arcsec) than the other available historical datasets. From these Ca-K spectroheliograms, we have developed a completely new proxy (Polar Network Index, PNI) for the Sun's polar magnetic field. We calculate the PNI from the digitized images using an automated algorithm and calibrate our measured PNI against the polar field as measured by the Wilcox Solar Observatory for the period of 1976 - 1990. This calibration allows us to estimate polar fields for the earlier period up to 1904. The dynamo calculations done with this proxy as input data reproduce the Sun's magnetic behavior for the past century reasonably well.

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arXiv2009

Near-Infrared H and K band studies of the 2006 outburst of the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi

We present near-IR photo-spectroscopy in the H and K bands of the 2006 outburst of the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi (RS Oph). The observations cover the period between 1 to 94 days after the eruption. The near IR light curve and an extensive set of spectra are presented, lines identified and the general characteristics of the spectra discussed. Analysis of the HI line profiles show the presence of broad wings on both flanks of a strong central component indicating the presence of a bipolar velocity flow in the ejecta. Such a flow is kinematically consistent with the bipolar structure that the object displays in high-resolution spatial images. We discuss the behaviour and origin of the Fe II lines at 1.6872 and 1.7414 micron and show that Lyman alpha and Lyman continuum fluorescence are viable mechanisms to excite these lines. We draw upon the result, that collisional excitation can also contribute in exciting and significantly enhancing the strength of these Fe II lines, to propose that these lines originate from a site of high particle density. Such a likely site could be the high-density, low temperature contact surface that should exist in the shockfront in between the shocked ejecta and red giant wind. Recombination analysis of the HI lines indicate deviations from Case B conditions during most of the span of our observations indicating optical depth effects. It appears likely that the breakout of the shockfront had not yet occured till the end of our observations. An analysis is made of the temporal evolution of the [Si VI] 1.9641 micron coronal line and another coronal line at 2.0894 micron which is attributed to [Mn XIV]. Assuming collisional effects to dominate in the hot coronal gas, estimates are made of the ion temperature in the gas.

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arXiv2008

Near-Infrared Studies of V1280 Sco (Nova Scorpii 2007)

We present spectroscopic and photometric results of Nova V1280 Sco which was discovered in outburst in early 2007 February. The large number of spectra obtained of the object leads to one of the most extensive, near-infrared spectral studies of a classical nova. The spectra evolve from a P-Cygni phase to an emission-line phase and at a later stage is dominated by emission from the dust that formed in this nova. A detailed model is computed to identify and study characteristics of the spectral lines. Inferences from the model address the vexing question of which novae have the ability to form dust. It is demonstrated, and strikingly corroborated with observations, that the presence of lines in the early spectra of low-ionization species like Na and Mg - indicative of low temperature conditions - appear to be reliable indicators that dust will form in the ejecta. It is theoretically expected that mass loss during a nova outburst is a sustained process. Spectroscopic evidence for such a sustained mass loss, obtained by tracing the evolution of a P-Cygni feature in the Brackett gamma line, is presented here allowing a lower limit of 25-27 days to be set for the mass-loss duration. Photometric data recording the nova's extended 12 day climb to peak brightness after discovery is used to establish an early fireball expansion and also show that the ejection began well before maximum brightness. The JHK light curves indicate the nova had a fairly strong second outburst around 100 days after the first.

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arXiv2008

VLTI monitoring of the dust formation event of the Nova V1280 Sco

We present the first high spatial resolution monitoring of the dust forming nova V1280 Sco performed with the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI). Spectra and visibilities were obtained from the onset of the dust formation 23 days after discovery till day 145, using the instruments AMBER and MIDI. These interferometric observations are complemented by near-infrared data from the 1.2m Mt. Abu Infrared Observatory, India. The observations are first interpreted with simple models but more complex models, involving a second shell, are necessary to explain the data obtained from t=110d after outburst. This behavior is in accordance with the light curve of V1280 Sco which exhibits a secondary peak around t=106d, followed by a new steep decline, suggesting a new dust forming event. Spherical dust shell models generated with the DUSTY code are also used to investigate the parameters of the main dust shell. Using uniform disk and Gaussian models, these observations allow us to determine an apparent linear expansion rate for the dust shell of 0.35 +/- 0.03 mas/day and the approximate time of ejection of the matter in which dust formed as t_ejec=10.5+/-7d, i.e. close to the maximum brightness. This information, combined with the expansion velocity of 500+/-100km/s, implies a distance estimate of 1.6+/-0.4kpc. The dust mass generated was typically 2-8 10^-9 solar mass per day. Considering that the dust forming event lasted at least 200-250d, the mass of the ejected material is likely to have exceeded 10^-4 solar mass.

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