The Topology of Magnetic Fields in Solar Active Regions

Energetic solar events such as solar flares and coronal mass ejection (CMEs) events result from rapid release of energy in solar active regions and may lead to important economic/environmental effects. The understanding of the physical processes behind these events and the prediction of major flares/CMEs still poses important challenges. 

Here, we introduce the use of the magnetic winding, a measure of the magnetic field topology, in the characterization of magnetic fields in solar active regions. The magnetic winding is closely linked to the more well known magnetic helicity, and measures the degree of entanglement of the magnetic field lines. 

In this talk, we will show two uses of the magnetic winding. First, we will present evidence that active regions result from the emergence of pre-twisted flux tubes. And finally, we will explore the use of this quantity in the prediction of major solar flare events.