Transverse energy injection scales at the base of the solar corona

Alfvén wave turbulence models are crucial for understanding solar winds and emissions from cool stars, impacting mass loss, magnetic spin-down, and exoplanet habitability. However, these models rely on estimations of critical parameters, including the perpendicular correlation length (L⊥), which affects turbulent heating and coronal plasma properties. Using the Coronal Multi-channel Polarimeter (CoMP), this study measures L⊥ at the coronal base, closer to the Sun than previous estimates. Measurements show homogeneity across the corona, peaking around 7.6–9.3 Mm, comparable to supergranulation scales. These findings provide crucial constraints for Alfvén wave turbulence modeling.

Rahul Sharma, Richard J. Morton