Plasma Sheath Electic Fields and Jets of the Sun and Solar Wind

A model of electric energization of the Solar Wind and Corona is developed, including electro-magnetic (EM) particle effects precluded by traditional magneto-hydro (MHD) assumptions. Using standard 1-D radial Solar models for particle density and temperature, the Core gravito-electric field is calculated; and the range of possible Sheath photoelectric fields is estimated. These outward DC fields are caused by the immense Solar energy flux pushing electrons outward. The Core electron charge displacement of 77.Coulombs has been known for 100 years; and an additional Sheath charge displacement of 383.C is strongly indicated. Energetically, the resulting electric fields can accelerate surface protons out of the 2.keV gravity well and up to the 4. keV energies observed in the Fast Solar Wind. This electrical energy is apparently released in pervasive, persistent "lightning jets", which are pinched proton beams, broadly charge-neutralized by co-propagating electrons. These energetic proton jets will glow as discrete filamentary Spicules near the surface, and will be observed in reflect solar light as the diffuse K-Corona out to several Solar radii.

Significantly, the electric model exposes a new "virial limit": the satellite-observed Fast Wind proton speed (800.km/s) occurs when the total electrical potential energy at r=0 is just as large as the 10.keV gravitational well at r=0. This "limited" potential arises from 460.C of total charge, giving a surface electric field of 8.6eV/Mm, and a 17.V potential drop across the 2.Mm neutral Hydrogen atmosphere. This sets the energy scale for electro-magnetic plasma dynamics, from the surface flares and electrical storms imaged by Solar Orbiter, to proton jets in the Wind, to surface prominences, perhaps to CME events. Models of thermonuclear fusion in the Core provide a solid basis for Solar energy generation; and hopefully, restoring global electric fields to Maxwell's equations will enable rigorous models of plasma dynamics and energy release from the surface..