On Solutions of the PFSS Model With GONG Synoptic Maps for 2006–2018

Abstract

Abstract The potential field source surface (PFSS) model is widely used to derive the magnetic field of the solar corona. The only free parameter in the PFSS model is the radius of the so‐called source surface, where magnetic field lines are forced to open. The radius of this surface is typically set to 2.5 solar radii in research and operational PFSS numerical models. Here, using Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) synoptic maps of the photospheric field, solutions of the PFSS model for various heights of the source surface are investigated for 2006–2018. In particular, numerically derived open solar magnetic flux and coronal holes are examined. Solutions of the PFSS model based on GONG synoptic maps are particularly important since they are often used to drive operational space weather forecast models. Comparisons between observations and numerical results in this paper suggest that the radius of the source surface is significantly lower than 2.5 solar radii during the active phase of solar cycle 24. The fact that the source surface location depends on the solar activity suggests that relations which associate solar wind properties with the coronal magnetic field in the PFSS‐based solar wind modes should be revisited. Furthermore, although the correction of the polar magnetic field is part of GONG synoptic map production pipeline, the results suggest that better treatment of polar fields is needed to cover observational gaps. The issue with the polar fields in GONG maps is particularly pronounced in recent years.