Analysis of the X-ray/Hα flare of 1980 July 14

Abstract

Using the X-ray data from the SMM Satellite and the optical data from the Yunnan Observatory, we analysed the Class 3B flare of 1980 July 14. We obtained the time variation of the X-ray spectrum, calculated the total number of electrons at the time of the flare and their mean energy and measured and compared the positions of the Hα flare and the X-ray burst source. The results show 1) that the hard X-ray burst was caused by high-energy non-thermal electron beam; 2) that the soft X-ray burst was basically generated by thermal bremsstrahlung of hot plasma, but the contribution by non-thermal electrons must also be included; 3) that the determined height of the X-ray burst source depends on the flare model and the magnetic field configuration of the active region. The results obtained support the newly emergent flux model of flares.