Solar Flare Studies
Abstract
The primary objective of the research described in this report was increased understanding of solar flares. In the course of the research, many tasks were carried out, which achieved not only the primary objective, but also secondary objectives in related areas. The research program started with active participation in the Skylab Solar Flare Workshop. New observations of solar flare spectra were obtained and interpreted in terms of basic solar flare mechanisms. It was shown that the basic process by which the X-ray radiation of flares is created is by heating the flare plasma to temperatures of about ten million degrees, through evaporation of the chromosphere. This process is driven both by beams of accelerated electrons and by thermal conduction. However, in the major flare for which data were interpreted, the principal energy release mechanism was found to be thermal in nature, implying that most of the flare energy is released in the form of heat, and not charged particles. Theoretical modeling methods were developed for understanding the spectra solar flares. These methods were applied to flare loop dynamics. The spectral signatures of both chromospheric evaporation and beams of accelerated electrons were established. Finally, a theorectical program of theoretical magnetohydrodynamic stability studies was begun.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 20, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA114269
Entities
People
- Richard C. Canfield
Organizations
- University of California, San Diego