scholarly journals Using the ionospheric response to the solar eclipse on 20 March 2015 to detect spatial structure in the solar corona

2016 ◽  
Vol 374 (2077) ◽  
pp. 20150216 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. Scott ◽  
J. Bradford ◽  
S. A. Bell ◽  
J. Wilkinson ◽  
L. Barnard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Eclipse ◽  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
High Time Resolution ◽  
Atmospheric Effects ◽  
Solar Dynamics Observatory ◽  
Ionospheric Response ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Solar Dynamics

The total solar eclipse that occurred over the Arctic region on 20 March 2015 was seen as a partial eclipse over much of Europe. Observations of this eclipse were used to investigate the high time resolution (1 min) decay and recovery of the Earth’s ionospheric E-region above the ionospheric monitoring station in Chilton, UK. At the altitude of this region (100 km), the maximum phase of the eclipse was 88.88% obscuration of the photosphere occurring at 9:29:41.5 UT. In comparison, the ionospheric response revealed a maximum obscuration of 66% (leaving a fraction, Φ , of uneclipsed radiation of 34±4%) occurring at 9:29 UT. The eclipse was re-created using data from the Solar Dynamics Observatory to estimate the fraction of radiation incident on the Earth’s atmosphere throughout the eclipse from nine different emission wavelengths in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and X-ray spectrum. These emissions, having varying spatial distributions, were each obscured differently during the eclipse. Those wavelengths associated with coronal emissions (94, 211 and 335 Å) most closely reproduced the time varying fraction of unobscured radiation observed in the ionosphere. These results could enable historic ionospheric eclipse measurements to be interpreted in terms of the distribution of EUV and X-ray emissions on the solar disc. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Atmospheric effects of solar eclipses stimulated by the 2015 UK eclipse’.

scholarly journals Fast degradation of the circular flare ribbon on 2014 August 24

2020 ◽  
Vol 636 ◽  
pp. L11
Author(s):  
Q. M. Zhang ◽  
S. H. Yang ◽  
T. Li ◽  
Y. J. Hou ◽  
Y. Li
Keyword(s):  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
Null Point ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Solar Dynamics Observatory ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Counterclockwise Direction ◽  
Solar Dynamics ◽  
Flare Ribbon ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
Two Jets

Context. The separation and elongation motions of solar flare ribbons have extensively been investigated. The degradation and disappearance of ribbons have rarely been explored. Aims. We report our multiwavelength observations of a C5.5 circular-ribbon flare associated with two jets (jet1 and jet2) on 2014 August 24, focusing on the fast degradation of the outer circular ribbon (CR). Methods. The flare was observed in ultraviolet (UV) and extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) wavelengths by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory spacecraft. Soft X-ray fluxes of the flare in 0.5−4 and 1−8 Å were recorded by the GOES spacecraft. Results. The flare, consisting of a short inner ribbon (IR) and outer CR, was triggered by the eruption of a minifilament. The brightness of IR and outer CR reached their maxima simultaneously at ∼04:58 UT in all AIA wavelengths. Subsequently, the short eastern part of the CR faded out quickly in 1600 Å but only gradually in EUV wavelengths. The long western part of the CR degraded in the counterclockwise direction and decelerated. The degradation was distinctly divided into two phases: phase I with faster apparent speeds (58−69 km s−1), and phase II with slower apparent speeds (29−35 km s−1). The second phase stopped at ∼05:10 UT when the western CR disappeared entirely. In addition to the outward propagation of jet1, the jet spire experienced untwisting motion in the counterclockwise direction during 04:55−05:00 UT. Conclusions. We conclude that the event can be explained by the breakout jet model. The coherent brightenings of the IR and CR at ∼04:58 UT may result from the impulsive interchange reconnection near the null point, whereas sub-Alfvénic slipping motion of the western CR in the counterclockwise direction indicates the occurrence of slipping magnetic reconnection. Another possible explanation of the quick disappearance of the hot loops that are connected to the western CR is that they are simply reconnected sequentially without the need for significant slippage after the null-point reconnection.

scholarly journals Solar microflares: a case study on temperatures and the Fe XVIII emission

2019 ◽  
Vol 628 ◽  
pp. A134 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. Mitra-Kraev ◽  
G. Del Zanna
Keyword(s):  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
Atomic Data ◽  
Solar Dynamics Observatory ◽  
Imaging Spectrometer ◽  
Heliospheric Observatory ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Solar Dynamics ◽  
Peak Emission ◽  
Good Agreement

In this paper, we discuss the temperature distribution and evolution of a microflare, simultaneously observed by Hinode’s X-Ray Telescope (XRT), its Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer (EIS), as well as the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on-board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). Using EIS lines, we find that during peak emission the distribution is nearly isothermal and peaked around 4.5 MK. This temperature is in good agreement with that obtained from the XRT filter ratio, validating the use of XRT to study these small events, invisible to full-Sun X-ray monitors such as the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES). The increase in the estimated Fe XVIII emission in the AIA 94 Å band can mostly be explained with the small temperature increase from the background temperatures. The presence of Fe XVIII emission does not guarantee that temperatures of 7 MK are reached, as is often assumed. With the help of new atomic data, we also revisit the temperatures measured by a Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SoHO) Solar Ultraviolet Measurements of Emitted Radiation (SUMER) observation of an active region that produced microflares, also finding low temperatures (3–4 MK) from an Fe XVIII/Ca XIV ratio.

scholarly journals Solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) flare observations and findings from the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) EUV Variability Experiment (EVE)

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (S320) ◽  
pp. 27-40
Author(s):  
Thomas N. Woods ◽  
Francis G. Eparvier ◽  
James P. Mason
Keyword(s):  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
Late Phase ◽  
Impulsive Phase ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Solar Dynamics Observatory ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Gradual Phase ◽  
Stellar Flares ◽  
Solar Dynamics ◽  
Coronal Dimming

AbstractNew solar soft X-ray (SXR) and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) irradiance observations from NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) EUV Variability Experiment (EVE) provide full coverage from 0.1 to 106 nm and continuously at a cadence of 10 seconds for spectra at 0.1 nm resolution. These observations during flares can usually be decomposed into four distinct characteristics: impulsive phase, gradual phase, coronal dimming, and EUV late phase. Over 6000 flares have been observed during the SDO mission; some flares show all four phases, and some only show the gradual phase. The focus is on the newer results about the EUV late phase and coronal dimming and its relationship to coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These EVE flare measurements are based on observing the sun-as-a-star, so these results could exemplify stellar flares. Of particular interest is that new coronal dimming measurements of stars could be used to estimate mass and velocity of stellar CMEs.

scholarly journals Energetics of Hi-C EUV brightenings

2018 ◽  
Vol 615 ◽  
pp. A47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srividya Subramanian ◽  
Vinay L. Kashyap ◽  
Durgesh Tripathi ◽  
Maria S. Madjarska ◽  
John G. Doyle
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Energy Loss ◽  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
Thermal Structure ◽  
Emission Measure ◽  
Light Curves ◽  
Solar Dynamics Observatory ◽  
Differential Emission Measure ◽  
Dominant Mechanism ◽  
Solar Dynamics

We study the thermal structure and energetics of the point-like extreme ultraviolet (EUV) brightenings within a system of fan loops observed in the active region AR 11520. These brightenings were simultaneously observed on 2012 July 11 by the High-resolution Coronal (Hi-C) imager and the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). We identified 27 brightenings by automatically determining intensity enhancements in both Hi-C and AIA 193 Å light curves. The energetics of these brightenings were studied using the Differential Emission Measure (DEM) diagnostics. The DEM weighted temperatures of these transients are in the range log T(K) = 6.2−6.6 with radiative energies ≈1024−25 ergs and densities approximately equal to a few times 109 cm−3. To the best of our knowledge, these are the smallest brightenings in EUV ever detected. We used these results to determine the mechanism of energy loss in these brightenings. Our analysis reveals that the dominant mechanism of energy loss for all the identified brightenings is conduction rather than radiation.

scholarly journals Hot prominence spicules launched from turbulent cool solar prominences

2019 ◽  
Vol 627 ◽  
pp. L5 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. P. Chitta ◽  
H. Peter ◽  
L. Li
Keyword(s):  
Transition Region ◽  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Solar Dynamics Observatory ◽  
Solar Prominences ◽  
Solar Filament ◽  
Solar Dynamics ◽  
Ultraviolet Observations ◽  
Hot Corona ◽  
Shed Light

A solar filament is a dense cool condensation that is supported and thermally insulated by magnetic fields in the rarefied hot corona. Its evolution and stability, leading to either an eruption or disappearance, depend on its coupling with the surrounding hot corona through a thin transition region, where the temperature steeply rises. However, the heating and dynamics of this transition region remain elusive. We report extreme-ultraviolet observations of quiescent filaments from the Solar Dynamics Observatory that reveal prominence spicules propagating through the transition region of the filament-corona system. These thin needle-like jet features are generated and heated to at least 0.7 MK by turbulent motions of the material in the filament. We suggest that the prominence spicules continuously channel the heated mass into the corona and aid in the filament evaporation and decay. Our results shed light on the turbulence-driven heating in magnetized condensations that are commonly observed on the Sun and in the interstellar medium.

scholarly journals The 3D solar corona Cycle 24 rising phase from SDO/AIA tomography

2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (S286) ◽  
pp. 238-241
Author(s):  
Federico A. Nuevo ◽  
Alberto M. Vásquez ◽  
Richard A. Frazin ◽  
Zhenguang Huang ◽  
Ward B. Manchester
Keyword(s):  
Solar Corona ◽  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
Emission Measure ◽  
Source Surface ◽  
Solar Dynamics Observatory ◽  
Differential Emission Measure ◽  
Height Range ◽  
Field Source ◽  
Solar Dynamics ◽  
Cycle 24

AbstractWe recently extended the differential emission measure tomography (DEMT) technique to be applied to the six iron bands of the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) instrument aboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). DEMT products are the 3D reconstruction of the coronal emissivity in the instrument's bands, and the 3D distribution of the local differential emission measure, in the height range 1.0 to 1.25 R⊙. We show here derived maps of the electron density and temperature of the inner solar corona during the rising phase of solar Cycle 24. We discuss the distribution of our results in the context of open/closed magnetic regions, as derived from a global potential field source surface (PFSS) model of the same period. We also compare the results derived with SDO/AIA to those derived with the Extreme UltraViolet Imager (EUVI) instrument aboard the Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO).

scholarly journals Transverse coronal loop oscillations excited by homologous circular-ribbon flares

2020 ◽  
Vol 638 ◽  
pp. A32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Q. M. Zhang ◽  
J. Dai ◽  
Z. Xu ◽  
D. Li ◽  
L. Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
Resonant Absorption ◽  
Line Center ◽  
Inhomogeneous Layer ◽  
Solar Dynamics Observatory ◽  
Second Stage ◽  
Kink Mode ◽  
Gradual Expansion ◽  
Solar Dynamics ◽  
Transverse Oscillations

Aims. We report our multiwavelength observations of two homologous circular-ribbon flares in active region 11991 on 2014 March 5, focusing on the transverse oscillations of an extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) loop excited by the flares. Methods. The flares were observed in ultraviolet and EUV wavelengths by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory spacecraft. These flares were also observed in Hα line center by the 1 m New Vacuum Solar Telescope. Soft X-ray fluxes of the flares in 0.5–4 and 1–8 Å were recorded by the GOES spacecraft. Results. The transverse oscillations are of fast standing kink mode. The first-stage oscillation triggered by the C2.8 flare is decayless with lower amplitudes (310–510 km). The periods (115–118 s) in different wavelengths are nearly the same, indicating coherent oscillations. The magnetic field of the loop is estimated to be 65–78 G. The second-stage oscillation triggered by the M1.0 flare is decaying with larger amplitudes (1250–1280 km). The periods decrease from 117 s in 211 Å to 70 s in 171 Å, implying a decrease of loop length or an implosion after a gradual expansion. The damping time, which is 147–315 s, increases with the period, so that the values of τ/P are close to each other in different wavelengths. The thickness of the inhomogeneous layer is estimated to be ∼0″​​​.45 under the assumption of resonant absorption. Conclusions. This is the first observation of the excitation of two kink-mode loop oscillations by two sympathetic flares. The results are important to understand the excitation of kink oscillations of coronal loops and hence the energy balance in the solar corona. Our findings also validate the prevalence of significantly amplified amplitudes of oscillations by successive drivers.

scholarly journals Statistical Analysis and Catalog of Non-polar Coronal Holes Covering the SDO-Era Using CATCH

Solar Physics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 294 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan G. Heinemann ◽  
Manuela Temmer ◽  
Niko Heinemann ◽  
Karin Dissauer ◽  
Evangelia Samara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Coronal Hole ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
Coronal Holes ◽  
Central Meridian ◽  
Solar Dynamics Observatory ◽  
Speed Solar Wind ◽  
Solar Dynamics ◽  
Hole Boundary

Abstract Coronal holes are usually defined as dark structures seen in the extreme ultraviolet and X-ray spectrum which are generally associated with open magnetic fields. Deriving reliably the coronal hole boundary is of high interest, as its area, underlying magnetic field, and other properties give important hints as regards high speed solar wind acceleration processes and compression regions arriving at Earth. In this study we present a new threshold-based extraction method, which incorporates the intensity gradient along the coronal hole boundary, which is implemented as a user-friendly SSW-IDL GUI. The Collection of Analysis Tools for Coronal Holes (CATCH) enables the user to download data, perform guided coronal hole extraction and analyze the underlying photospheric magnetic field. We use CATCH to analyze non-polar coronal holes during the SDO-era, based on 193 Å filtergrams taken by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) and magnetograms taken by the Heliospheric and Magnetic Imager (HMI), both on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). Between 2010 and 2019 we investigate 707 coronal holes that are located close to the central meridian. We find coronal holes distributed across latitudes of about ${\pm}\, 60^{\circ}$±60∘, for which we derive sizes between $1.6 \times 10^{9}$1.6×109 and $1.8 \times 10^{11}\mbox{ km}^{2}$1.8×1011 km2. The absolute value of the mean signed magnetic field strength tends towards an average of $2.9\pm 1.9$2.9±1.9 G. As far as the abundance and size of coronal holes is concerned, we find no distinct trend towards the northern or southern hemisphere. We find that variations in local and global conditions may significantly change the threshold needed for reliable coronal hole extraction and thus, we can highlight the importance of individually assessing and extracting coronal holes.

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