Image: Twistedflux

Description: Differential rotation of the Sun. The undisturbed, bipolar magnetic field configuration during solar minimum marks the start of the solar cycle (i). The faster rotation at the solar equator then drags the magnetic field around the solar body (ii) until the Sun approaches solar maximum where the buoyant magnetic flux is twisted to such an extent flares and highly dynamic coronal loops become commonplace across the Sun’s surface (iii and iv). The buoyancy force governing the upward motion of coronal loops can be written as pi+B2/8π=pe, where pi is the internal pressure of the flux, pe is the external pressure and B is the magnetic field strength.
Title: Twistedflux
Credit: English wikipedia (here)
Author: Cartoon created by Ian O'Neill and can be found in the thesis entitled Quiescent Coronal Loops Heated by Turbulence.
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No