scholarly journals Gradual SEP Events

2021 ◽  
pp. 97-133
Author(s):  
Donald V. Reames
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Temperature ◽  
Solar Energetic Particle ◽  
Abundance Ratio ◽  
Element Abundance ◽  
Ion Flow ◽  
Element Abundances ◽  
Magnetically Trapped ◽  
The Face ◽  
Suprathermal Ions ◽  
Magnetic Bottle

AbstractGradual solar energetic-particle (SEP) events are “big proton events” and are usually much more “gradual” in their decay than in their onset. As their intensities increase, particles streaming away from the shock amplify Alfvén waves that scatter subsequent particles, increasing their acceleration, eventually limiting ion flow at the “streaming limit.” Waves generated by higher-speed protons running ahead can also throttle the flow of lower-energy ions, flattening spectra and altering abundances in the biggest SEP events. Thus, we find that the A/Q-dependence of scattering causes element-abundance patterns varying in space and time, which define source-plasma temperatures T, since the pattern of Q values of the ions depends upon temperature. Differences in T explain much of the variation of element abundances in gradual SEP events. In nearly 70% of gradual events, SEPs are shock-accelerated from ambient coronal plasma of ~0.8–1.6 MK, while 24% of the events involve material with T ≈ 2–4 MK re-accelerated from residual impulsive-suprathermal ions with pre-enhanced abundances. This source-plasma temperature can occasionally vary with solar longitude across the face of a shock. Non-thermal variations in ion abundances in gradual SEP events reaccelerated from the 2–4 MK impulsive source plasma are reduced, relative to those in the original impulsive SEPs, probably because the accelerating shock waves sample a pool of ions from multiple jet sources. Late in gradual events, SEPs become magnetically trapped in a reservoir behind the CME where spectra are uniform in space and decrease adiabatically in time as the magnetic bottle containing them slowly expands. Finally, we find variations of the He/O abundance ratio in the source plasma of different events.

scholarly journals A Turbulent History

2021 ◽  
pp. 19-48
Author(s):  
Donald V. Reames
Keyword(s):  
Shock Waves ◽  
Coronal Mass Ejections ◽  
Energetic Particle ◽  
Electron Beams ◽  
Diffusion Theory ◽  
Plasma Temperature ◽  
Solar Energetic Particle ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Suprathermal Ions ◽  
And Diffusion

AbstractLarge solar energetic-particle (SEP) events are clearly associated in time with eruptive phenomena on the Sun, but how? When large SEP events were first observed, flares were the only visible candidate, and diffusion theory was stretched to explain how the particles could spread through space, as widely as observed. The observation of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and the wide, fast shock waves they can drive, provided better candidates later. Then small events were found with 1000-fold enhancements in 3He/4He that required a different kind of source—should we reconsider flares, or their open-field cousins, solar jets? The 3He-rich events were soon associated with the electron beams that produce type III radio bursts. It seems the radio astronomers knew of both SEP sources all along. Sometimes the distinction between the sources is blurred when shocks reaccelerate residual 3He-rich impulsive suprathermal ions. Eventually, however, we would even begin to measure the source-plasma temperature that helps to better distinguish the SEP sources.

scholarly journals Excess H, Suppressed He, and the Abundances of Elements in Solar Energetic Particles

Solar Physics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 294 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald V. Reames
Keyword(s):  
Shock Waves ◽  
Power Law ◽  
Solar Energetic Particle ◽  
Coronal Plasma ◽  
Charge Ratio ◽  
Element Abundance ◽  
Power Law Distribution ◽  
Element Abundances ◽  
New Information ◽  
Order Of Magnitude

Abstract Recent studies of the abundances of H and He relative to those of heavier ions in solar energetic particle (SEP) events suggest new features in the underlying physics. Impulsive SEP events, defined by uniquely large enhancements of Fe/O, emerge from magnetic reconnection in solar jets. In small, “pure,” shock-free, impulsive SEP events, protons with mass-to-charge ratio $A/Q = 1$A/Q=1 fit the power-law dependence of element abundance enhancements versus$A/Q$A/Q extrapolated from the heavier elements $6 \leq Z \leq 56$6≤Z≤56. Sometimes these events have order-of-magnitude suppressions of He, even though H fits with heavier elements, perhaps because of the slower ionization of He during a rapid rise of plasma from the chromosphere. In larger impulsive SEP events, He fits, but there are large proton excesses relative to the power-law fit of $Z > 2$Z>2 ions, probably because associated coronal mass ejections (CMEs) drive shock waves fast enough to reaccelerate the impulsive SEPs but also to sample protons from the ambient solar plasma. In contrast, gradual SEP events are accelerated by wide, fast CME-driven shock waves, but those with smaller, weaker shocks, perhaps quasi-perpendicular, favor impulsive suprathermal residue left by many previous jets, again supplemented with excess protons from ambient coronal plasma. In the larger, more common gradual SEP events, faster, stronger shock waves sample the ambient coronal plasma more deeply, overwhelming any impulsive-ion component, so that proton abundances again fit the same power-law distribution as all other elements. Thus, studies of the power-law behavior in $A/Q$A/Q of SEP element abundances give compelling new information on the varying physics of SEP acceleration and properties of the underlying corona.

scholarly journals Observations of diverging field-aligned ion flow with the ESR

2004 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 889-899 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. C. Buchert ◽  
Y. Ogawa ◽  
R. Fujii ◽  
A. P. van Eyken
Keyword(s):  
Field Line ◽  
Geomagnetic Field ◽  
Plasma Temperature ◽  
Ionization Mechanism ◽  
Soft Particle ◽  
Polar Ionosphere ◽  
Ion Composition ◽  
Ion Flow ◽  
F Region ◽  
Ionization Balance

Abstract. We report on observations of a diverging ion flow along the geomagnetic field that is often seen at the EISCAT Svalbard radar. The flow is upward above the peak of the electron density in the F-region and downward below the peak. We estimate that in such events mass transport along the field line is important for the ionization balance, and that the shape of the F-layer and its ion composition should be strongly influenced by it. Diverging flow typically occurs when there are signatures of direct entry of sheath plasma to the ionosphere in the form of intense soft particle precipitation, and we suggest that it is caused by the ionization and ionospheric electron heating associated with this precipitation. On average, 30% of all events with ion upflow also show significant ion downflow below. Key words.Ionosphere (polar ionosphere; ionization mechanism; plasma temperature and density)

scholarly journals Theoretical Predictions of Surface Light Element Abundances in Protostellar and Pre-Main Sequence Phase

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Tognelli ◽  
S. Degl’Innocenti ◽  
P. G. Prada Moroni ◽  
L. Lamia ◽  
R. G. Pizzone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Main Sequence ◽  
Light Element ◽  
Element Abundance ◽  
Light Elements ◽  
Convective Envelope ◽  
Stellar Envelope ◽  
Element Abundances ◽  
Stellar Interior ◽  
Theoretical Predictions

Theoretical prediction of surface stellar abundances of light elements–lithium, beryllium, and boron–represents one of the most interesting open problems in astrophysics. As well known, several measurements of 7Li abundances in stellar atmospheres point out a disagreement between predictions and observations in different stellar evolutionary phases, rising doubts about the capability of present stellar models to precisely reproduce stellar envelope characteristics. The problem takes different aspects in the various evolutionary phases; the present analysis is restricted to protostellar and pre-Main Sequence phases. Light elements are burned at relatively low temperatures (T from ≈2 to ≈5 million degrees) and thus in the early evolutionary stages of a star they are gradually destroyed at different depths of stellar interior mainly by (p, α) burning reactions, in dependence on the stellar mass. Their surface abundances are strongly influenced by the nuclear cross sections, as well as by the extension toward the stellar interior of the convective envelope and by the temperature at its bottom, which depend on the characteristics of the star (mass and chemical composition) as well as on the energy transport in the convective stellar envelope. In recent years, a great effort has been made to improve the precision of light element burning cross sections. However, theoretical predictions surface light element abundance are challenging because they are also influenced by the uncertainties in the input physics adopted in the calculations as well as the efficiency of several standard and non-standard physical processes active in young stars (i.e. diffusion, radiative levitation, magnetic fields, rotation). Moreover, it is still not completely clear how much the previous protostellar evolution affects the pre-Main Sequence characteristics and thus the light element depletion. This paper presents the state-of-the-art of theoretical predictions for protostars and pre-Main Sequence stars and their light element surface abundances, discussing the role of (p, α) nuclear reaction rates and other input physics on the stellar evolution and on the temporal evolution of the predicted surface abundances.

scholarly journals Fossil group origins

2018 ◽  
Vol 618 ◽  
pp. A172 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. M. Corsini ◽  
L. Morelli ◽  
S. Zarattini ◽  
J. A. L. Aguerri ◽  
L. Costantin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stellar Population ◽  
Line Strength ◽  
Abundance Ratio ◽  
Element Abundance ◽  
Population Parameters ◽  
Stellar Kinematics ◽  
Massive Galaxies ◽  
Radial Profiles ◽  
Major Merger ◽  
Satellite Galaxies

Context. Fossil groups (FGs) are galaxy aggregates with an extended and luminous X-ray halo, which are dominated by a very massive early-type galaxy and lack of L∗ objects. FGs are indeed characterized by a large magnitude gap between their central and surrounding galaxies. This is explained by either speculating that FGs are failed groups that formed without bright satellite galaxies and did not suffer any major merger, or by suggesting that FGs are very old systems that had enough time to exhaust their bright satellite galaxies through multiple major mergers. Aims. Since major mergers leave signatures in the stellar populations of the resulting galaxy, we study the stellar population parameters of the brightest central galaxies (BCGs) of FGs as a benchmark against which the formation and evolution scenarios of FGs can be compared. Methods. We present long-slit spectroscopic observations along the major, minor, and diagonal axes of NGC 6482 and NGC 7556, which are the BCGs of two nearby FGs. The measurements include spatially resolved stellar kinematics and radial profiles of line-strength indices, which we converted into stellar population parameters using single stellar-population models. Results. NGC 6482 and NGC 7556 are very massive (M∗ ≃ 1011.5 M⊙) and large (D25 ≃ 50 kpc) galaxies. They host a centrally concentrated stellar population, which is significantly younger and more metal rich than the rest of the galaxy. The age gradients of both galaxies are somewhat larger than those of the other FG BCGs studied so far, whereas their metallicity gradients are similarly negative and shallow. Moreover, they have negligible gradients of α-element abundance ratio. Conclusions. The measured metallicity gradients are less steep than those predicted for massive galaxies that formed monolithically and evolved without experiencing any major merger. We conclude that the observed FGs formed through major mergers rather than being failed groups that lacked bright satellite galaxies from the beginning.

scholarly journals A Spectroscopic Survey in the EUV of the “Coolest” Hot DA Stars

1996 ◽  
Vol 152 ◽  
pp. 217-222
Author(s):  
Jean Dupuis ◽  
Stéphane Vennes
Keyword(s):  
Effective Temperature ◽  
White Dwarfs ◽  
Heavy Element ◽  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
Diffusion Theory ◽  
Hydrogen Atmosphere ◽  
Element Abundance ◽  
Pure Hydrogen ◽  
Element Abundances ◽  
The One

We present an analysis of the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) spectroscopy of a sample of 10 DA white dwarfs observed by the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE). We have selected white dwarfs cooler than about 50,000 K and with presumably low heavy element abundances. The goal of this study is to determine the fundamental atmospheric parameters, namely the effective temperature and chemical composition, of these stars by fitting their continua with synthetic spectra computed from pure hydrogen LTE/line-blanketed model atmospheres. The question of the presence (or absence) of trace elements is explored by comparing EUV-determined effective temperatures to the one obtained from a fit of hydrogen balmer lines. It is found that the majority of the DA in the sample are consistent with having a pure hydrogen atmosphere. One of the star, MCT0027-634, is another possible example of a HZ 43-type white dwarf, having an effective temperature above 50000 K and a low heavy element abundance, i.e., much lower than predicted by diffusion theory.

scholarly journals Element Abundance Analyses of Novae

1977 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 242-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert E. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Temperature Distribution ◽  
Emission Line ◽  
Heavy Element ◽  
Element Abundance ◽  
Element Abundances ◽  
Maximum Light ◽  
Growth Studies ◽  
Nova Shells

AbstractThe different methods by which element abundances in novae have been determined are reviewed. Curve of growth studies of novae at maximum light have indicated CNO nuclei to be greatly enhanced with respect to hydrogen in certain objects. These results are questionable because they depend upon an assumed temperature distribution in the photosphere which is probably too steep to be realistic. Emission line analyses of novae, generally obtained in the period of early decline, also indicate possible heavy element enhancement, however these results are tentative because of uncertainties in the parameters of the emitting gas. It is suggested that useful abundance determinations of nova ejecta might be obtained from studies of old, extended nova shells.

scholarly journals Element Abundances of Solar Energetic Particles and the Photosphere, the Corona, and the Solar Wind

Atoms ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald V. Reames
Keyword(s):  
Solar Wind ◽  
Shock Waves ◽  
Solar Corona ◽  
Plasma Temperature ◽  
Energetic Particles ◽  
Solar Energetic Particles ◽  
Charge Ratio ◽  
Ambient Plasma ◽  
Element Abundances ◽  
Resonant Wave

From a turbulent history, the study of the abundances of elements in solar energetic particles (SEPs) has grown into an extensive field that probes the solar corona and physical processes of SEP acceleration and transport. Underlying SEPs are the abundances of the solar corona, which differ from photospheric abundances as a function of the first ionization potentials (FIPs) of the elements. The FIP-dependence of SEPs also differs from that of the solar wind; each has a different magnetic environment, where low-FIP ions and high-FIP neutral atoms rise toward the corona. Two major sources generate SEPs: The small “impulsive” SEP events are associated with magnetic reconnection in solar jets that produce 1000-fold enhancements from H to Pb as a function of mass-to-charge ratio A/Q, and also 1000-fold enhancements in 3He/4He that are produced by resonant wave-particle interactions. In large “gradual” events, SEPs are accelerated at shock waves that are driven out from the Sun by wide, fast coronal mass ejections (CMEs). A/Q dependence of ion transport allows us to estimate Q and hence the source plasma temperature T. Weaker shock waves favor the reacceleration of suprathermal ions accumulated from earlier impulsive SEP events, along with protons from the ambient plasma. In strong shocks, the ambient plasma dominates. Ions from impulsive sources have T ≈ 3 MK; those from ambient coronal plasma have T = 1 – 2 MK. These FIP- and A/Q-dependences explore complex new interactions in the corona and in SEP sources.

scholarly journals ON THE REMOTE DETECTION OF SUPRATHERMAL IONS IN THE SOLAR CORONA AND THEIR ROLE AS SEEDS FOR SOLAR ENERGETIC PARTICLE PRODUCTION

2013 ◽  
Vol 770 (1) ◽  
pp. 73 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Martin Laming ◽  
J. Daniel Moses ◽  
Yuan-Kuen Ko ◽  
Chee K. Ng ◽  
Cara E. Rakowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Corona ◽  
Energetic Particle ◽  
Particle Production ◽  
Solar Energetic Particle ◽  
Remote Detection ◽  
Suprathermal Ions

scholarly journals Soft X-Ray Spectroscopy with Exosat

1984 ◽  
Vol 86 ◽  
pp. 59-66
Author(s):  
R. Mewe
Keyword(s):  
Absorption Edge ◽  
White Dwarf ◽  
White Dwarfs ◽  
Cataclysmic Variables ◽  
Atmospheric Model ◽  
Abundance Ratio ◽  
The Other ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Element Abundances ◽  
Medium Resolution

With the 500 and 1000 l/mm transmission gratings aboard the European x-ray Observatory SATellite (EXOSAT) we have measured medium-resolution (Δλ 5 A at 100 A) spectra of some ten objects of various categories such as isolated white dwarfs, cool stars with convective mantles, cataclysmic variables (e.g. AM Her) and a high-luminosity X-ray source (Sco X-1).The Instrument configuration was mostly such that one low-energy telescope was used as a photometer, while the other telescope was used as a spectrometer with the 500 l/mm grating inserted.The white dwarf spectra were measured between about 60 and 300 A. They show a continuum with no clear evidence of aborption and emission lines except for the He II absorption edge at 227 A in the spectrum of Feige 24. For the cooler (28 000 K) white dwarf Sirius B the emission is peaked between about 100 and 160 A and limited to about 200 A. which can be expected from atmospheric model spectra of DA white dwarfs. The soft X-ray emission of the hotter (> 60 000 K) DA white dwarfs (HZ43. Feige 24) is also interpreted in terms of photospheric emission. In the HZ43 spectrum the absorption edge is apparently absent which sets a stringent upper limit to the abundance ratio He/H of about 10−5. On the other hand the spectrum of Feige 24 shows a dominant absorption edge, implying He/H > 10−3. Moreover, here the shape of the continuum may be indicative of a stratification of element abundances in the outer atmosphere.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document