The apparent reversal of fields at the solar limb

We show how the apparent reversal of longitudinal magnetic fields near the limb is a projection effect and may be used to estimate the divergence angle of the magnetic canopy. The limb distance at which the apparent reversal is not seen is the limiting angle of divergence of lines of force emerging from the surface. We have surveyed a number of polar limb magnetograms, where the unipolar field makes this easier, and found the divergence angle to be about 20° from the vertical.