Spicules

Abstract

The solar chromosphere has previously been thought to be a homogenic layer of the solar atmosphere, but better observations have made it evident that the chromosphere is a highly dynamic area.

Spicules are structures seen off the solar limb in the chromosphere. Although they have been known to exist for decades, observations in the last few years have been greatly improved, paving the way for new and improved theories on how they are generated.

Using observations made from the Japanese Hinode spacecraft, this thesis attempts to shed light on the characteristics and some of the possible driving mechanisms behind spicules. It is shown how spicules can be divided into two populations, type I and type II, how these two differ from each other and the implications this division has for the driving mechanisms behind the two types.