The Alfvén-Wave Theory of Solar Flares
Abstract
Evidence is discussed showing that a representative solar flare event comprises three or more separate but related phenomena requiring separate mechanisms. In particular it is possible to separate the most energetic effect (the interplanetary blast) from the thermal flare and from the rapid acceleration of particles to high energies. The phenomena are related through the magnetic structure characteristic of a composite flare event, being a bipolar surface field with most of its field lines `closed'. Of primary importance are helical twists on all scales, starting with the `flux rope' of the spot pair which was fully twisted before it emerged. Subsequent untwisting by the upward propagation of an Alfvén twist wave provides the main flare energy. The interplanetary blast model is based on subsurface, helically twisted flux ropes which erupt to form spots and then transfer their twists and energy by Alfvén-twist waves into the atmospheric magnetic fields. The blast is triggered by the prior-commencing flash phase or by a coronal wave.
- Publication:
-
Solar Physics
- Pub Date:
- October 1974
- DOI:
- 10.1007/BF00155082
- Bibcode:
- 1974SoPh...38..465P
- Keywords:
-
- Magnetohydrodynamic Waves;
- Solar Flares;
- Solar Magnetic Field;
- Solar Physics;
- Helical Flow;
- Lines Of Force;
- Magnetic Field Configurations;
- Magnetic Flux;
- Particle Acceleration;
- Plasma Dynamics;
- Solar Corona;
- Sunspots;
- Solar Physics;
- Flare;
- Solar Flare;
- Flux Rope;
- Flare Event;
- Coronal Wave