Do all flares occur within a hierarchy of magnetic loops?
Abstract
X-ray events observed by the Hard X-ray Imaging Spectrometer on the Solar Maximum Mission frequently indicate the following scenario for solar flares: The initial energy release occurs in a compact magnetic loop and during the impulsive phase may spread rapidly to involve a larger structure. In later phases the soft X-ray emission is from a much larger structure encompassing these initial features and, overlying them all is a huge loop with footpoints separated by up to several hundred thousand km. In the light of these observations, we believe a flare model involving a single magnetic loop is rarely, if ever appropriate.
- Publication:
-
Advances in Space Research
- Pub Date:
- 1984
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0273-1177(84)90182-0
- Bibcode:
- 1984AdSpR...4g.199H
- Keywords:
-
- Magnetic Field Configurations;
- Solar Flares;
- Solar Magnetic Field;
- Solar Maximum Mission;
- X Ray Imagery;
- Solar Physics