Millimeter Radio Astronomy and the Solar Convection Zone

Abstract

The global distribution of solar surface activity (active regions) is connected with processes in the convection zone. To extract the information on large-scale motions in the convection zone, we study the solar synoptic charts (Mount Wilson 1998-2004, Fe I, 525.02 nm). The clear indication of large-scale (≥ 18 o) turbulence is found. This may be a manifestations of the deep convection because there is no such global turbulent eddies in the solar photosphere. The preferred scales of longitudinal variations in surface solar activity are revealed. These correspond to ∼ 15 o to 51 o (gigantic convection cells), 90 o , 180 o and 360 o. Similar scales (e.g., 40 o and 90 o) are found in the millimeter radio-images (Metsähovi Radio Observatory 1994-1998, 37 and 87 GHz). Hence, the millimeter radio astronomy could prove useful for remote sensing of the solar convection zone.