Derived Parameter: Plasma Beta

Plasma Beta

The "beta" of a plasma is the ratio of its gas energy density to its magnetic energy density. See Gary (2001) for an overview of what the observations may tell us about its magnitude in the solar atmosphere. It can be calculated from this formula (cgs) from the tabulated parameters:

$\beta = \frac{16\pi n_{tot}k_BT}{B^{2}} = 6.94\times10^{-15}\frac{n_{tot}T}{B^{2}} \ \ \mathrm{cm^{-3}}$

where n_tot is the total particle density, T is in Kelvins, and B is in Gauss.

.dat

Beta values for Fontenla Model 1001 (blue; 100 G), Model 1005 (red; 300 G), and Model 1006 (green; 1000 G).

Model 1001 Values Quiet Sun: Model 1001 with B = 100 G

Model 1005 Values Facula: Model 1005 with B = 300 G

Model 1006 Values Sunspot umbra: Model 1006 with B = 1000 G

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