Hard X-rays from the Sun

Abstract

Temporal and spectral characteristics of solar hard X-ray bursts are briefly reviewed. The merits of non-thermal and thermal flare models are discussed. The validity of these models may be checked by future measurements of X-ray polarization. Finally, some important results of recent satellite experiments are described providing information on the spatial distribution of hard X-ray sources: the multi-spacecraft observation of X-ray bursts and the imaging of X-ray sources by means of the HXIS instrument.