Observations of an X-shaped Ribbon Flare and Its Three-dimensional Magnetic Reconnection with IRIS and SDO
Abstract
We report evolution of an atypical X-shaped flare ribbon which provides novel observational evidence of three-dimensional (3D) magnetic reconnection at a separator. The flare occurred on 2014 November 9, and high-resolution slit-jaw 1330 images from IRIS reveal four chromospheric flare ribbons that converge and form an X-shape. These four ribbons are located in a quadrupolar magnetic field. Reconstruction of magnetic topology in the active region suggests the presence of a separator connecting to the X-point outlined by the ribbons. The inward motion of flare ribbons, as well as coronal loops observed by the SDO/AIA, indicates 3D magnetic reconnection between two sets of non-coplanar loops that approach laterally, and the reconnection proceeds downward to a very low height. We also study spectra of Si IV, C II, and Mg II observed with the IRIS slit, which cuts across the flare ribbons near the X-point. We have found two distinct types of line profiles. At the flare ribbon, all the lines show evident redshifts with a velocity up to 50 km/s, and the redshifts are well correlated with the line intensity and width. These redshifts suggest chromospheric condensation caused by impulsive energy deposition from the separator reconnection. While right outside the flare ribbon, the lines exhibit unshifted, symmetric, yet broadened profiles; in particular, the Si IV line is significantly broadened at the far wing. The line broadening persists for 20 minutes till after the end of the flare. The distinct spectral features near the X-point indicate different dynamics associated with the separator reconnection.
- Publication:
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AAS/Solar Physics Division Abstracts #47
- Pub Date:
- May 2016
- Bibcode:
- 2016SPD....4730206L