Analysis of Two Coronal Loops with Combined TRACE and SOHO/CDS Data

Abstract

We use an innovative research technique to analyze combined images from the Coronal Diagnostic Spectrometer (CDS) on the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) and the Transition Region and Coronal Explorer (TRACE). We produce a high spatial and temporal resolution simulated CDS raster or “composite” map from TRACE data and use this composite map to jointly analyze data from both instruments. We show some of the advantages of using the “composite” map method for coronal loop studies. We investigate two postflare loop structures. We find cool material (250 000 K) concentrated at the tips or apex of the loops. This material is found to be above its scale height and therefore not in hydrostatic equilibrium. The exposure times of the composite map and TRACE images are used to give an estimate of another loop’s cooling time. The contribution to the emission in the TRACE images for the spectral lines present in its narrow passband is estimated by using the CDS spectral data and CHIANTI to derive synthetic spectra. We obtain cospatial and cotemporal data collected by both instruments in SOHO Joint Observations Program (JOP) 146 and show how the combination of these data can be utilized to obtain more accurate measurements of coronal plasmas than if analyzed individually.