Cyclic changes of the photospheric magnetic field polarity

Abstract

The distribution of magnetic fields of positive and negative polarities over the surface of the Sun was studied. Synoptic maps of the photospheric magnetic field (NSO Kitt Peak, 1978--2016) were used for the analysis. In the time-latitude diagram for weak magnetic fields ($B \leq 5 G$), inclined bands are clearly visible, indicating the alternating dominance of magnetic fields with positive or negative polarity drifting towards the poles of the Sun. Analysis of the time-latitude diagram using the method of empirical orthogonal functions (EOF) made it possible to establish a cyclic change in the polarity of magnetic field flows with a period of 1-3 years, which indicates a possible connection with quasi biennial variation. Similar period values are obtained by averaging over the latitude of the time-latitude diagram