Mysterious High Energy Gamma Rays Might Help Explain What Drives Solar Cycles (1901.10574v2)

Abstract: This paper is in response to a technical paper, entitled "Evidence for a New Component of High-Energy Solar Gamma-Ray Production" (Linden, et al., 2018). An article in Scientific American entitled "The Sun Is Spitting Out Strange Patterns of Gamma Rays-and No One Knows Why" is a discussion of Linden's paper. It may be summarized as follows: The Sun has been observed to be emitting gamma ray bursts. The weaker gamma rays tend to be less than 50 GeV, emitted during the most active energetic period of the solar cycle and towards the poles. The gamma-ray emission is most intense during Solar Minimum, reaching >100 GeV and those emissions are near the equator: "Most strikingly, although 6 gamma rays above 100 GeV are observed during the 1.4 years of solar minimum, none are observed during the next 7.8 years (Linden, et al., 2018)." Pease and Glenn, in the conclusion of a paper, suggested that solar cycles are regulated by planetary orbital positions, influencing the Sun through transfer of gravitational or electromagnetic forces, or both (Pease & Glenn, 2016). This paper will describe a working hypothesis that points strongly to electromagnetic connections between Jupiter, Saturn, and the Sun during Solar Minimum which contribute to the high gamma-ray energy observed being emitted by the Sun. The hypothesis further suggests that the electromagnetic connections between the Sun and Jupiter, Saturn, and other planets with magnetospheres, namely Neptune, Earth, and Uranus, are responsible over billions of years for modulating a dual electromagnetic field resonance internal to the Sun. These major periodic cycles are known as the 11-year Schwabe and 22-year Hale solar cycles.

• The paper observes high-energy gamma rays emitted predominantly during the solar minimum and hypothesizes these emissions are driven by electromagnetic interactions between the Sun and major planets.
• The hypothesis suggests mechanisms like flux ropes and Birkeland currents facilitate planetary electromagnetic interactions, with major planet positions potentially correlating with solar cycle periods.
• These findings could redefine solar cycle understanding by emphasizing planetary influence, necessitating future real-time observations during solar minimums to validate the model.

Analysis of High-Energy Gamma Rays in Relation to Solar Cycles

The research presented in Gregory S. Glenn's paper explores the enigmatic occurrence of high-energy gamma rays emitted by the Sun and their potential connection to solar cycles. This investigation offers an alternative hypothesis to the established theories of solar cycle dynamics by introducing the possibility of electromagnetic connections between the sun and major planets in the solar system, particularly during the Solar Minimum.

Summary of Observations and Hypothesis

The core observation addressed in the paper is the pattern of gamma-ray emissions from the Sun, with emissions exceeding 100 GeV occurring predominantly during the Solar Minimum. These gamma rays are notably absent during extended periods of solar activity. Typical theories attribute solar cycles to the Sun's magnetic fields, generated by internal dynamo processes stemming from differential rotation. However, this does not fully account for the observed regularity and timing of cycles.

Glenn proposes that the electromagnetic interaction between the Sun and major planetary bodies, notably Jupiter and Saturn, plays a crucial role. This hypothesis suggests that these interactions modulate solar activity through flux transfer events (FTEs), thus influencing gamma-ray emissions.

Mechanisms and Planetary Influence

Central to the proposed hypothesis are the mechanisms of flux ropes and Birkeland currents, which are capable of facilitating significant electromagnetic interactions over astronomical distances. Such interactions are observed as twisted magnetic field structures that can link planets with substantial magnetospheres like Jupiter and Saturn to the Sun. These interactions could create conditions conducive to high-energy gamma-ray production, potentially through mechanisms like the Bennett pinch or synchrotron radiation in plasma double layers.

The influence of planetary positions, particularly the relative positions of Jupiter and Saturn, is posited to have a substantial impact on the solar cycles. The paper references historical data suggesting a correlation between the angles made by these planets around the solar minimum and the periodicity of the solar cycles. Specifically, the Jupiter-Saturn synodic period, adjusted by orbital distance ratios, intriguingly corresponds to established solar cycle periods.

Implications and Future Research

The implications of these findings, if validated, could redefine our understanding of solar cycle dynamics by emphasizing the importance of planetary electromagnetic interactions over traditional magnetic dynamo processes alone. This could offer insights into solar behavior and its broader astrophysical interactions over geological timescales.

For practical observation and verification, future research aims to capture real-time data during upcoming solar minimum events, using advanced spacecraft to measure the electromagnetic exchanges posited in the hypothesis. Confirming these interactions would potentially validate the proposed model, allowing a more comprehensive understanding of how external planetary forces influence solar activity and high-energy releases.

Conclusion

Glenn’s paper provides a compelling hypothesis that expands the lens through which solar cycle phenomena are examined. By suggesting a planetary interaction-based model, it challenges conventional paradigms and posits new avenues for empirical investigation. Success in this research could significantly impact our theoretical and practical comprehension of solar physics and, by extension, space weather forecasting.