David Graham and James Grayson
HAO
Mentor: Scott McIntosh

Title: Spectral Characteristics of the Solar Transition Region

Abstract:
Using multi-wavelength transition region spectral images taken by the SUMER instrument on the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), we investigate the spatial dependence of double and single Gaussian spectral profiles in the chromospheric network. Broad double Gaussian spectra are thought to be a signature of dynamic motions in the solar atmosphere. After fitting these profiles using genetic algorithms, we find that previous work at a single wavelength has been misleading in its representation of double component spectra as being essentially confined to bright network regions. By closer inspection of the genetic algorithm fitting process, and by using images at multiple wavelengths, this apparent spatial relationship will still need to be verified. In addition, information on line widths and Doppler shifts in the network will allow us to further the idea of a two spicule model by tracking where the double fits appear at different wavelengths and at different network locations.