Heating of coronal material at X-ray bright points

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (39) References (14) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Heating of coronal material at X-ray bright points. Glencross, W. M. Abstract The configuration is discussed of the magnetic field at the solar surface associated with the development of bright X-ray features, and reasons are considered for the relatively higher plasma density in this field. It is suggested that the magnetic ropes in this field may consist of twisted braids wrapped around each other and that the components are separated by current sheets where the plasma density would be much higher than that which is normally considered for the corona. If the plasma temperature in these sheets is higher than 1 million K, the radiated flux might exceed that from the rest of the rope and would account for the enhanced brightness of the X-ray regions. It is shown that the conversion of magnetic energy during the intertwinning of braids can provide sufficient thermal energy to maintain the dense plasma at coronal temperatures throughout the observed lifetimes and that the development of instabilities in this process could result in the flare-like brightenings. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: July 1975 DOI: 10.1086/181847 Bibcode: 1975ApJ...199L..53G Keywords: Magnetic Field Configurations; Plasma Density; Plasma Heating; Solar Corona; Solar Magnetic Field; Solar X-Rays; Astronomical Models; Current Sheets; Dense Plasmas; Magnetic Flux; Photosphere; Solar Flares; Solar Physics full text sources ADS |