On the 152-Day Periodicity of the Solar Flare Occurrence Rate,
Abstract
The occurrence rate of solar flares exhibits a periodicity of about 152 days. This periodicity was discovered from analyses of flares observed with the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM), and confirmed with flares observed by other observatories. This periodicity was also discovered from the flare rate of solar cycle 20 (1965-1975). The cause of the 152 day periodicity still remains a mystery. But answers to the following questions will enhance our understanding of it. (1) Is the periodicity a local or global phenomenon? (2) Is the periodicity due to interactions of hot spots rotating at different rates such that they aligh with one another once in every 152-day period? (3) Is the periodicity due to interactions of rotating features originating from g-mode oscillations? Analyzing major flares observed with the Hard X Ray Burst Spectrometer (HXRBS) aboard SMM concludes that the 152 day periodicity is a global phenomenon.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA176920
Entities
People
- Peter A. Sturrock
- Taeil Bai
Organizations
- Stanford University