Simple Seismic Tests of the Solar Core

A model-independent reconstruction of mechanical profiles (density, pressure) of the solar interior is outlined using the adiabatic sound speed and bouyancy frequency profiles. These can be inferred from helioseismology if both pand g-mode frequencies are measured. A simulated reconstruction is presented using a solar model bouyancy frequency and available sound speed data. Subject headings: Sun: interior — Sun: oscillations Submitted to the Astrophysical Journal Standard solar models (SSMs) are now very accurate, exemplified by the work of Bahcall et al. (Bahcall et al. 1998; Pinsonneault 1998) and Turck-Chièze et al. (Brun et al. 1998). But confidence in predicted solar neutrino fluxes is enhanced by checks of the solar core depending on only a few general assumptions, independent of detailed models. This can be done with helioseismology, although the g-modes are needed. Serious claims of g-modes observations have been put forward (Hill & Gu 1990; Thomson et al. 1995) but remain controversial (Guenther & Sills 1995; Lou 1996). Nonetheless, the g-modes will undoubtedly be observed at some point, despite their attenuation by the convective zone. We assume negligible radiation pressure Pγ ≪ Pgas and no significant departures from an ideal gas (P = Pgas = ρRT/μ). Γ = d lnP/d ln ρ , Γad = (∂ lnP/∂ρ)ad , (1) ∇ = d lnT/d lnP , ∇ad = (∂ lnT/∂ lnP )ad . Contribution to the INT Low-Energy Neutrino Physics Workshop, Univ. Washington, Seattle (JuneSeptember 1999).