Energetics and Dynamics in a Large Solar Flare of 1989 March
Abstract
Solar Maximum Mission X-ray observations and National Solar Observatory/Sacramento Peak H alpha spectra are combined in a large (X1.2) solar flare to test predictions of chromospheric heating and evaporation by nonthermal thick-target electrons. It is demonstrated that the ratio of H alpha flare energy flux to the energy flux deposited by thick-target electrons obeys a power-law dependence on electron heating flux, with a slope that is consistent with that predicted by a thick-target electron transport and heating model in a 1D hydrostatic atmosphere. It is concluded that the thick-target model satisfactorily accounts for the observed magnitude of chromospheric H alpha emission, and the amplitudes and timing of oppositely directed plasma motions during the impulsive phase of this X flare.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- January 1992
- DOI:
- 10.1086/170877
- Bibcode:
- 1992ApJ...384..341W
- Keywords:
-
- Chromosphere;
- Solar Flares;
- Solar Physics;
- Solar X-Rays;
- Energy Transfer;
- Gamma Rays;
- Line Spectra;
- Solar Corona;
- Solar Maximum Mission;
- Solar Physics;
- LINE: PROFILES;
- SUN: CHROMOSPHERE;
- SUN: CORONA;
- SUN: FLARES;
- SUN: X-RAYS;
- GAMMA RAYS