Understanding the Physics of Sequential Chromospheric Brightenings of the Sun Through Automated Recognition
Abstract
Wave-like disturbances are observed propagating along chromospheric network lines in conjunction with energetic events such as solar flares, prominence eruptions, and coronal mass ejections. These disturbances are called sequential chromospheric brightenings (SCBs) and are thought to be magnetic in origin. An automated method has been developed to detect and track SCBs and the associated flare ribbons. Using H-alpha images from the Improved Solar Observing Optical Network (ISOON) telescope during previously identified SCB events in 2005, we have developed an automated tracking algorithm that identifies and follows the SCB event as well as the evolving flare ribbons. With bright-point detection and tracking fully automated, we will be able to efficiently identify and track both the evolution of the SCBs which are seen as precursors to mass ejections, and the evolution of the ribbons within the flare itself. From the classified bright-points and other available observations, we will be able to characterize the flare's physical nature: speed, distance traveled, changing brightness, and magnetic field intensity. This poster presents the methodology developed to measure these parameters. The ultimate objective of this work is to use real-time image analysis in conjunction with this automated recognition technique to characterize SCBs thereby giving some indication of the nature of the subsequent solar eruption.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #215
- Pub Date:
- January 2010
- Bibcode:
- 2010AAS...21542206K