Sunspots, areas of intense magnetic fields.

[chemisttree]

Sunspots are areas of intense magnetic fields. They are supposed to be hotter than the surface of the sun but are darker because of decreased convection with the interior of the sun.

Is it possible for these fields to trap matter from the sun's core and magnetically confine it at enormous heat and pressure? (nature's Tokamak) If so, could nuclear reactions to produce elements heaver than iron be possible? Could the sunspots be a source of some of the material heavier than helium in our solar system?

 

[FunkyDwarf]

Interesting idea and i really don't know but id imagine not, as any core material brought up would be far more energetic than even a sunspots magnetic field could contain and it would spill out before any reactions could occur.

 

[chemisttree]

The field is supposed to be highly twisted. Like a garden hose with kinks? Could matter back up and create huge pressures during an explosive event that manifests itself on the surface, eventually, as a coronal ejection?

 

[country boy]

Why do you think they are hotter? The temperature can be several hundred degrees below that of the surrounding photosphere.

 

[chemisttree]

Yeah, you are right about that.

 

[country boy]

You are correct, however, about the intense fields in sunspots. But they aren't anywhere near the strength of a tokamak.

 

[Astro.padma]

I just came across this thread...Has anyone been able to find out the answer to this?? Could anyway the sunspots be a store of heavier elements?

 

[Drakkith]

I don't believe so. As country boy says above, sunspots simply don't work that way.

 

[Astro.padma]

You are correct, however, about the intense fields in sunspots. But they aren't anywhere near the strength of a tokamak.

Sir...How can we say that the they aren't anywhere near the strength of a tokamak?? Is there any reason behind this??

 

[Astro.padma]

If you don't think am deviating from the topic, why do sunspots form only at some places? what are the requirements, actually?? what I mean is..are there any special properties those places do exhibit which make them to be sunspots?