Coordinated Observations of Stellar Flares
Abstract
We propose to make coordinated time-resolved IUE, EXOSAT, and ground-based observations of dMe flare stars to investigate the spectral distribution of stellar flare energy, simultaneously over a wide range of wavelengths, from Xrays to microwaves. Recent successful results strongly motivate our present proposal. In fact, the unique character of each of the observed flares and the fortunate circumstance of fully operative IUE and EXOSAT satellites in 1986 give a particularly strong reason for additional time-resolved multiband data on stellar flares at this time. Although time resolved observations in several bandpasses exist for a very small number of flares, no flare has been observed simultaneously from X-rays to microwaves. We propose to monitor one to two of the most active stars among those in the target list, so that the detection of major flares is highly probable. Spectra from quiescent phases will be co-added to obtain low-noise spectra of faint transition region and coronal lines to model outer atmospheric layers. Pure flare spectra will be extracted by subtracting the average quiescent spectrum from those at active phases. Several important issues will be addressed, such as the applicability of loop model structure, the energy deposition in the different atmospheric layers, the nature of flare continua, and the extent of the similarity of solar and stellar flares.
- Publication:
-
IUE Proposal
- Pub Date:
- 1987
- Bibcode:
- 1987iue..prop.2803L