Opacities for the solar radiative interior

Abstract

Opacities for the solar radiative interior are computed and compared to previous calculations. A significant enhancement of the Rosseland mean opacity near the bottom of the convention zone is reported when compared to the Los Alamos Astrophysical Opacity Library (LAOL). The discrepancy is attributed mainly to the equation of state. Absorption processes are investigated and their uncertainties estimated. The new results using the OPAL opacity code are given in tabular form for the Ross-Aller, Aller, Grevesse, and Anders-Grevesse solar mixtures. Variations in the opacity due to the different chemical compositions are found to be comparable in size to those between the LAOL and OPAL codes. The plasma conditions in the tables cover the parameter range relevant for standard solar models.