Very Large Array Observations of Large-Scale Coronal Structures

Abstract

AbstractVery Large Array (VLA) observations indicate that electrons accelerated in one active region can travel along otherwise-invisible, large-scale coronal loops to trigger flares in another widely-separated active region, as well as from the magnetic loops connecting them. The VLA provides high-resolution, full-disk images of quiescent, or non-flaring, coronal loops within individual active regions (at 20 cm) and between or beyond them (at 90 cm). Both ground-based radio telescopes and spaceborne X-ray telescopes provide high-resolution images of the ubiquitous coronal loops whose hot, dense magnetically-trapped plasma emits thermal bremsstrahlung. Radio observations can be used to specify the strength and structure of the magnetic fields in the low solar corona. We find a high magnetic field strength in the million-degree plasma above large sunspots – 75 to 80 percent of the value in the underlying photospheric sunspots; as well as coronal regions of non-potential, current-amplified magnetic fields. Some long-lasting (hours) coronal radio sources found on the Sun and other active stars require nonthermal radiation and nearly continuous acceleration of energetic electrons.