Solar Burst Precursors and Energy Build Up at Microwave Wavelengths,

Abstract

We summarize high-resolution microwave observations (VLA) of heating and magnetic triggering in coronal loops. Magnetic changes that precede solar eruptions on time scales of tens of minutes involve primarily emerging coronal loops and the interaction of two or more loops. Thermal cyclotron lines have been detected in coronal loops, suggesting the presence of hot current sheets that enhance emission from relatively thin layers of enhanced temperature and constant magnetic field. These current sheets may play a role in the excitation of solar bursts. A filament-associated source with a high brightness temperature and steep radiation spectrum occurs above a region of apparently weak photospheric field. This source might be attributed to currents that enhance coronal magnetic fields. Compact (phi=5 sec) transient sources with lifetimes of 30 to 60 minutes have also been detected in regions of apparently weak photospheric field. We conclude by comparing VLA observations of coronal loops with simultaneous SMM-XRP observations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1986
Accession Number
ADA171925

Entities

People

  • Kenneth R. Lang
  • Robert F. Willson

Organizations

  • Tufts University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Bremsstrahlung
  • Brightness
  • Circular Polarization
  • Cyclotrons
  • Electron Density
  • Electrons
  • Emission
  • High Resolution
  • Line Spectra
  • Low Temperature
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Microwaves
  • Observation
  • Radiation
  • Soft X Rays
  • Spectra
  • X Rays

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Solar Physics
  • Systems Analysis and Design