A radio-frequency representation of the solar atmosphere

Abstract

The paper is a collection of solar data derived from optical observations, and originally compiled for use in “solar noise” studies. An elementary description of the solar atmosphere is followed by mean values of electron density, electron temperature and magnetic field as functions of height in the chromosphere and corona. An assumed general magnetic field, and magnetic fields due to sunspots, are each treated. The data are finally presented in terms of plasma, gyro and collision frequencies, which quantities are fundamental to the magneto-ionic theory. Levels of zero refractive index and their significance are discussed and the effect of prominences is considered.