Observations of a CME heated by flare-accelerated electrons
Abstract
We present an updated analysis of a RHESSI observation of flare-accelerated electrons in the core of a coronal mass ejection (CME) and examine their role in heating the CME. Previous CME observations have found remarkably high temperatures in the core. A joint observation by RHESSI and AIA of a partly occulted flare on 2010 November 3 allows us to test the hypothesis that this excess energy is collisionally deposited by flare-accelerated electrons. Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) images from AIA show an ejected plasmoid forming the CME core and sheath, with isothermal multifilter analysis revealing temperatures of > 11 MK in the core. RHESSI images produced via the Two-Step CLEAN algorithm reveal a large 100 x 50 arcsec2), diffuse hard X-ray source matching the location, shape, and evolution of the AIA plasma, indicating that the emerging CME core is filled with energetic electrons. Spectroscopy demonstrates that the nonthermal electrons contain enough energy to heat the CME. The time integral of the EUV emission matches the hard X-ray light curve (similar to the ``Neupert effect'' observed in soft and hard X-ray time profiles), directly linking the CME temperature increase with the nonthermal electron energy loss. This is the most direct observation to date of energetic flare electrons heating a CME, emphasizing the close relationship of the two in solar eruptive events.
- Publication:
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AAS/Solar Physics Division Abstracts #44
- Pub Date:
- July 2013
- Bibcode:
- 2013SPD....44...35G