Coronal loops form the basic structure of the lower
corona and
transition region of the
Sun. These highly structured loops are a direct consequence of the twisted solar
magnetic flux within the solar body. The population of coronal loops can be directly linked with the
solar cycle; it is for this reason coronal loops are often found with
sunspots at their footpoints. The upwelling magnetic flux pushes through the
photosphere, exposing the cooler plasma below. The contrast between the photosphere and the solar interior gives the impression of dark spots, or sunspots.