DiamondGeezer said:I suppose what I'm asking for is the Electric field strength of the Sun as measured from the Earth. I assume that this electric field both accelerates and maintains the solar wind.
heliotrope said:There should be an electric field in the corona/heliosphere, owing the fact that electrons and protons have a much different mass. But, this field is too small to measure.
There are some theories that the solar wind dynamics are related to this field, the 'exospheric theory'. But, most in the field don't consider that the wind is driven by the electric field. One thing to consider is that the wind is quasineutral, so that the net force from a large scale field is zero.
The standard model of the solar wind posits that it is drived by thermal pressure gradients, analogous to fluid flow from a nozzle. but, this can't explain the observations. I side with those who believe wave-particle and/or diamagnetic effects drive the high-speed (800 km/sec) wind and explosive events drive the slow speed (400 km/sec) wind.
Pumblechook said:About 750 Volts / Metre or 1.4 KW / sq metre over all wavelengths.
The electric field of the Sun is a measure of the strength and direction of the electric force exerted by the Sun's charged particles on other charged particles in its vicinity. It is typically described in units of volts per meter (V/m).
The electric field of the Sun is created by the charged particles in its atmosphere, which are primarily protons and electrons. The movement of these charged particles creates an electric field around the Sun, similar to how a magnet creates a magnetic field.
The strength of the electric field of the Sun varies depending on the location and activity of the Sun. On average, it is estimated to be around 1-2 V/m at the surface of the Sun, but it can reach up to 100 V/m in regions of high solar activity.
The electric field of the Sun can have a significant impact on Earth's magnetic field and the particles in its atmosphere. It can cause disturbances in Earth's magnetic field and lead to phenomena such as auroras. It can also affect satellites and communication systems in space.
Scientists study the electric field of the Sun using a variety of instruments, such as satellites and ground-based telescopes. They measure the electric field by analyzing the interactions between the charged particles in the Sun's atmosphere and the charged particles in the surrounding space environment.