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Register a new userA basal contribution from p-modes to the Alfvenic wave flux in the Suns corona
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Many cool stars possess complex magnetic fields [1] that are considered to undertake a central role in the structuring and energising of their atmospheres [2]. Alfvenic waves are thought to make a critical contribution to energy transfer along these magnetic fields, with the potential to heat plasma and accelerate stellar winds [3] [4] [5]. Despite Alfvenic waves having been identified in the Suns atmosphere, the nature of the basal wave energy flux is poorly understood. It is generally assumed that the associated Poynting flux is generated solely in the photosphere and propagates into the corona, typically through the continuous buffeting of magnetic fields by turbulent convective cells [4] [6] [7]. Here we provide evidence that the Suns internal acoustic modes also contribute to the basal flux of Alfvenic waves, delivering a spatially ubiquitous input to the coronal energy balance that is sustained over the solar cycle. Alfvenic waves are thus a fundamental feature of the Suns corona. Acknowledging that internal acoustic modes have a key role in injecting additional Poynting flux into the upper atmospheres of Sun-like stars has potentially significant consequences for the modelling of stellar coronae and winds.
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