The last few years have seen great progress in our understanding of X-ray spectra of solar active regions. This paper demonstrates both the usefulness and the limitations of the techniques, both scientific and instrumental, that have recently become available. Improvements in spectral resolution led to the discovery of weak satellite lines to helium-like ions; the quantitative theory for these lines is also discussed. The observed intensities of the Fe XVII lines are also investigated and found to be in agreement with calculations that allow for cascading processes.
Magnetic Helicity of Solar Active Regions as Revealed by Vector Magnetograms and Coronal X-Ray Images