Brazilian Solar Spectroscope Research Articles

Flaring loop parameters estimated from solar decimeter type U-like and type J-like fine structures

This work presents the analysis of five fine structures in the solar radio emission, observed between June 2000 and October 2001 by the Brazilian Solar Spectroscope (BSS), in the decimeter frequency band of 950–2500MHz. Based on their morphological characteristics identified in the dynamic spectra, the fine structures had been classified as type U-like or type J-like bursts. Such emissions are variants of the type III bursts. They support the hypothesis of generation by plasma emission mechanism, from interaction of electron beams accelerated during solar flares, propagating along closed magnetic structures, within the trapped plasma of the solar corona. The spectral and temporal characteristics of the five fine structures had been obtained from the dynamic spectra and the parameters of the agent and the emitting source have been determined, assuming both fundamental and harmonic emissions. The analysis revealed the flux density of the structures is less than 20–80s.f.u. For assumption of harmonic emission, the interval of values for the source parameters estimated are: the loop size is (0.3–5.1)×1010cm; the electron beam velocity is in the range of 0.16–0.53c; the temperature of coronal loop top is of the order of (0.25–1.55)×107K; and the low limit for the magnetic field is of 7–26G. These results are in agreement with previous determinations reported in the literature.

Semi-harmonic and intermittent solar decimetric spikes

AbstractWe present the analysis of the narrowband solar radio spike emissions observed by the Brazilian Solar Spectroscope (BSS) on 24 June, 1999, at 16:53:55–16:56:48 UT. The data were recorded with temporal resolution of 50 ms and frequency resolution of 5 MHz. The dynamic spectra of clusters of spikes were recorded in 100 channels in the 1.2-1.7 GHz frequency band. The groups of radio spikes observed clearly show spectral semi-harmonic structures and an intermittent temporal patter. The observational parameters were determined from the dynamic spectra analysis. The wavelet analysis technique able us to determine the temporal cadence for the clusters. The frequency ratio between two clusters of spikes recorded at same time were inferred. The preliminary results show average cadence of clusters of spikes occurrence of about 32 seconds and a semi-harmonic average frequency ratio of the order of 1:1.2.

Surveying RFI for a new Brazilian Solar Spectroscope site

AbstractBrazilian Solar Spectroscope (BSS) carry out high time (0.01–0.1 s) resolution solar spectral investigations within the frequency range 1–2.5 GHz on a daily basis. At the moment, a new site is imposed to this facility. This site change became necessary due to both factors: the growing level of radio frequency interference (RFI) signals at actual site and requirements of rising up a new building at the BSS antenna location. We present results of RFI signals search at INPE-Cachoeira Paulista area as purpose to define a new BSS site.

Highlights of the Brazilian Solar Spectroscope

The digital, decimetric (950–2500 MHz) Brazilian Solar Spectroscope (BSS, Sawant, H.S., Subramanian, K.R., Faria, C., et al. Brazilian Solar Spectroscope (BSS). Solar Phys. 200, 167–176, 2001) with high time (10–1000 ms) and frequency (1–10 MHz) resolution is in regular operation since April, 1998, at the National Space Research Institute (INPE) at São José dos Campos, Brazil. The BSS has now been upgraded with a new digital data acquisition and data processing system. The new version of the BSS has improved the observational possibilities with the capability to record up to 200 frequency channels available in the selectable frequency range 950–2500 MHz. The GPS receiver permits the acquisition of data with time accuracy in the order of 0.1 ms. The software system of the BSS is composed by two distinct modules: the first, data acquisition system provides a flexible Graphical User Interface (GUI) that allows one to choose the observational parameters. The second module is the real time visualization system that permits real time visualization of the observed dynamic spectrum and additionally allows procedures for visualization and preliminary analysis of the recorded solar spectra. Using the new visualization system, we have realized two new types of dm-radio fine structures: narrow band type III bursts with positive as well as negative group frequency drift and dots emissions arranged in zebra-like and fiber-like chains. Furthermore, we have found flare generated fast wave trains according to their tadpole signature in wavelet power spectra for a decimetric type IV radio event (June 6, 2000 flare).

Coronal fast wave trains of the decimetric type IV radio event observed during the decay phase of the June 6, 2000 flare

The 22 min long decimetric type IV radio event observed during the decay phase of the June 6, 2000 flare simultaneously by the Brazilian Solar Spectroscope (BSS) and the Ondřejov radiospectrograph in frequency range 1200–4500 MHz has been analyzed. We have found that the characteristic periods of about 60 s belong to the long-period spectral component of the fast wave trains with a tadpole pattern in their wavelet power spectra. We have detected these trains in the whole frequency range 1200–4500 MHz. The behavior of individual wave trains at lower frequencies is different from that at higher frequencies. These individual wave trains have some common as well as different properties. In this paper, we focus on two examples of wave trains in a loop segment and the main statistical parameters in their wavelet power and global spectra are studied and discussed.

Decimetric radio dot emissions

Context. We study a rare type of solar radio bursts called decimetric dot emissions. Aims. In the period 1999−2001, 20 events of decimetric dot emissions observed by the Brazilian Solar Spectroscope (BSS) in the frequency range 950−2640 MHz are investigated statistically and compared with radio fine structures of zebras and fibers. Methods. For the study of the spectral characteristics of the dot emissions we use specially developed Interactive Data Language (IDL) software called BSSView and basic statistical methods. Results. We have found that the dm dot emissions, contrary to the fine structures of the type IV bursts (i.e. zebras, fibers, lace bursts, spikes), are not superimposed on any background burst emission. In the radio spectrum, in most cases the dot emissions form chains that appear to be arranged in zebra patterns or fibers. Because some zebras and fibers, especially those observed with high time and high spectral resolutions, also show emission dots (but superimposed on the background burst emission), we compared the spectral parameters of the dot emissions with the dots being the fine structure of zebras and fibers. For both these dots, similar spectral characteristics were found. Some similarities of the dot emissions can be found also with the lace bursts and spikes. For some events the dot emissions show structural evolution from patterns resembling fibers to patterns resembling zebras and vice versa, or they evolve into fully chaotic patterns. Conclusions. For the first time, we present decimetric dot emissions that appear to be arranged in zebra patterns or fibers. We propose that these emissions are generated by the plasma emission mechanism at the locations in the solar atmosphere where the double resonance condition is fulfilled.

Observations of radio spectra at 1–2.5 GHz associated with CME start time

AbstractWe know Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) and flares are the most energetic phenomena happening on the Sun. Until now the information about origin and trigger mechanism of CMEs remains scarce. Also, there is unconclusive information about the association between them and flares although progress has been made in recent years. Multi-spectral observations suggested that the flare energy release occurs in regions from where the decimetric radio emission originates. In this case, investigations of the solar emission in this wavelength range can give us valuable information about these questions. During last solar maximum the Brazilian Solar Spectroscope (BSS) observed the solar radio spectrum (1–2.5 GHz) with high time (100–20 ms) and frequency (50–100 channels) resolutions on a daily (11–19 UT) basis. A survey during the period 1999–2002, shows that a significant fraction (20% –57 events) of CMEs recorded by LASCO has an association with the spectra of radio bursts recorded by BSS. Analysis of the radio spectrum associated to CME shows there is a dominance of continuum and/or pulsation and that the association becomes stronger when we consider the CME acceleration since its origin on the Sun. A statistics of this association between CME dynamics and the characteristics of decimetric radio bursts recorded by BSS is presented. Emphasis is given to observations of the association with CME start time.

Solar decimetric type III bursts in semi-closed magnetic field structures

Aims. We investigate statistically seventeen groups of solar type III bursts, observed in the frequency range 950-2500 MHz using the Brazilian Solar Spectroscope (BSS) during the period 1999-2002.

Decimetric fine structures associated with the 6th June, 2000 solar flare

We report the temporal evolution of the long lasting solar flare observed on June 6, 2000 (15:00 - 17:00 UT) by the Brazilian Solar Spectroscope (BSS) at INPE. We emphasize the identification of the decimetric fine structures, such as fiber and zebra emissions, including the unique case of harmoniczebra emissions in the decimetric band reported, radio pulsations, type III bursts and variants, recorded during this event in the frequency range of (1.2 - 1.7 GHz). The main characteristics of fine structures recorded are presented.

Radio emission observed in decimetric waves associated with the onset of CMEs

Since the first observations by Skylab and SMM satellites coronal mass ejections (CME) have been more and more investigated. However, until now their origin and trigger mechanism remain an open question no matter if they are associated to flares or not. Recent observations over a broad spectrum suggest that flare energy is released in regions from where the decimetric emission is coming. Then, investigations of decimetric radio emission observed in association with CME phenomena may give clues to solve the previously mentioned questions. Using the Brazilian solar spectroscope (BSS), observations of solar bursts dynamic spectra with high time (100, 50, 20 ms) and frequency (50–100 channels) resolutions have been carried out daily (∼11–19 UT) within the range of 1000–2500 MHz. A sample of 274 CMEs were recorded by the large angle spectroscopic coronagraph (LASCO) instrument, on board the solar and heliospheric observatory (SOHO) satellite, within 11–19 UT, during the period of 1999–2002. From those, 42 CMEs are associated to BSS data and selected for analysis. It is interesting to note that in about half of the cases only one type of burst radio emission was recorded while in the remaining cases either two or more types were observed. There is a dominance of either continuum and/or pulsations. Here, we describe the association of burst radio emission with the starting time of CME phenomena.

Exploration of solar chromosphere using high resolution spectroscopic observations

Brazilian Solar Spectroscope (BSS), operating in the frequency range of (1000 i 2500) MHz with high time and frequency resolutions, has observed various fine structures showing intensity variations as functions of time and frequency. Here we are reporting radio bursts observed by BSS, from August to October/2001, exhibiting fine structures with total duration of the order of 300 ms, covering a frequency range of ~ 200 MHz. These characteristics are similar to those of the narrow band type III bursts observed above 1000 MHz. Hence these fine structures are variants of decimetric narrow band type III-like bursts. The fine structures observed exhibit variation of intensity as a function of frequency and curvatures in the frequency-time plane. These fine structures are explained as a propagation effect. We suggest that these structures are the signatures of the chromospheric density inhomogeneities lying in the line-of-sight path between the observer and the radio source. If the emitted frequencies are lower than the plasma frequency of the inhomogeneity, there will be absorption over a certain band, corresponding to the dimension of the inhomogeneity. The curved like structures are due to lower group velocities of the lower frequencies in the density inhomogeneities. The estimated scale sizes of the irregularities obtained are of the order of 101 - 104 km. Thus an alternative method to total solar eclipse observation is suggested for investigations of chromospheric density irregularities.

Decimetric fine structures as a possible signature of chromospheric evaporation

In this work, we concentrate in the analysis of radio slowly drifting fine structures associated with solar flares recorded in the frequency range of (1000 - 2500) MHz by the Brazilian Solar Spectroscope (BSS), in regular operation at National Institute of Space Research (INPE) - Brazil. The main morphological aspects of each fine structure are narrow-band of about 5 - 10 MHz and small duration of the order of 50 milliseconds. The majority of these fine structures are observed over a time interval of a couple of minutes before the maximum of the associated flare, in the impulsive phase. However, some observations during the gradual decay phase are also reported. They drift towards lower frequencies, with slow rates typically of about of 10 - 100 MHz s-1 Estimated velocities of the exciter from the negatively drifting structures suggest that the shock-like exciter is propagating in the higher chromosphere. Than, those fine structures are interpreted as a possible signature in decimetric emissions from the chromospheric evaporation phenomenon. Details of these observations and their interpretation in terms of the plasma emission produced by accelerated particles and the chromospheric evaporation front is presented.

Evidence of plasma resonance instability from observations of solar decimetric fine structures

The solar radio emissions in the decimetric frequency range (above 1000 MHz) are very rich in temporal and/or spectral fine structures. The Brazilian Solar Spectroscope (BSS) at INPE started operating in 1998. Since then, various types of fine structures, in the frequency range of (1000-2500) MHz, with high time and frequency resolutions have been recorded. The observed bursts include dot-like emissions and chains of dots, lace bursts exhibiting intensity variations as a function of frequency and zebra pattern emissions. It is suggested that they can be generated by a plasma resonance instability mechanism. This model can explain many features of the observed fine structures.

High resolution time profile of decimetric type-III bursts

Abstract Type-III bursts are signatures of the electron beams accelerated during the solar flares, their observation and investigation provide information of the acceleration processes, the characteristics of the exciting agent and the acceleration site. The Brazilian Solar Spectroscope (BSS), in operation at INPE, Brazil, have recorded type-III radio bursts in decimetric range (2050–2250 MHz) with high time resolution of 20 ms. Decimetric reverse drift bursts are possibly generated in a dense loop by electron beams travelling towards the photosphere. Hence their time profiles should carry signatures of the density inhomogenities in the loop. Here the temporal and spectral characteristics of decimetric type-III bursts are presented.

High resolution time profile of decimetric type-III bursts

Type-III bursts are signatures of the electron beams accelerated during the solar flares, their observation and investigation provide information of the acceleration processes, the characteristics of the exciting agent and the acceleration site. The Brazilian Solar Spectroscope (BSS), in operation at INPE, Brazil, have recorded type-III radio bursts in decimetric range (2050–2250 MHz) with high time resolution of 20 ms. Decimetric reverse drift bursts are possibly generated in a dense loop by electron beams travelling towards the photosphere. Hence their time profiles should carry signatures of the density inhomogenities in the loop. Here the temporal and spectral characteristics of decimetric type-III bursts are presented.

Hard X-ray and high-frequency decimetric radio observations of the 4 April 2002 solar flare

Hard X-ray and high frequency decimetric type III radio bursts have been observed in association with the soft X-raysolar flare (GOES class M 6.1) on 4 April 2002 (∼1532 UT). The flare apparently occurred ∼ 6 degrees behind the east limb of the Sun in the active region NOAA 9898. Hard X-ray spectra and images were obtained by the X-ray imager on RHESSI during the impulsive phase of the flare. The Brazilian Solar Spectroscope and Ondrejov Radio Telescopes recorded type III bursts in 800–1400 MHz range in association with the flare. The images of the 3–6, 6–12, 12–25, and 25–50 keV X-ray sources, obtained simultaneously by RHESSI during the early impulsive phase of the flare, show that all the four X-ray sources were essentially at the same location well above the limb of the Sun. During the early impulsive phase, the X-ray spectrum over 8–30 keV range was consistent with a power law with a negative exponent of ∼ 6. The radio spectra show drifting radio structures with emission in a relatively narrow (Δf ≤ 200 MHz) frequency range indicating injection of energetic electrons into a plasmoid which is slowly drifting upwards in the corona.

Hard X-ray and high-frequency decimetric radio observations of the 4 April 2002 solar flare

Abstract Hard X-ray and high frequency decimetric type III radio bursts have been observed in association with the soft X-raysolar flare (GOES class M 6.1) on 4 April 2002 (∼1532 UT). The flare apparently occurred ∼ 6 degrees behind the east limb of the Sun in the active region NOAA 9898. Hard X-ray spectra and images were obtained by the X-ray imager on RHESSI during the impulsive phase of the flare. The Brazilian Solar Spectroscope and Ondrejov Radio Telescopes recorded type III bursts in 800–1400 MHz range in association with the flare. The images of the 3–6, 6–12, 12–25, and 25–50 keV X-ray sources, obtained simultaneously by RHESSI during the early impulsive phase of the flare, show that all the four X-ray sources were essentially at the same location well above the limb of the Sun. During the early impulsive phase, the X-ray spectrum over 8–30 keV range was consistent with a power law with a negative exponent of ∼ 6. The radio spectra show drifting radio structures with emission in a relatively narrow (Δf ≤ 200 MHz) frequency range indicating injection of energetic electrons into a plasmoid which is slowly drifting upwards in the corona.

Decimetric dot-like structures

Various types of fine structures have been observed by the Brazilian Solar Spectroscope (BSS) in the frequency range of (1000 – 2000) MHz, since its regular operation from 1998. Here, we report for the first time statistical analysis of the 165 isolated dot-like emissions and their chains observed, from September 1999 to September 2000, in the decimetric band. Dots are observed in groups spread over the frequency - time plane. Rarely their chains are observed. Chains of dots cover the frequency range of ∼ 150 MHz and hardly cover the entire frequency range of observations. Isolated dot-like emission has been observed to the limit of the BSS resolutions (3 MHz, 50 ms). In 50 % of the cases the observed instantaneous bandwidth and flux values are 5 MHz and ∼ 20 sfu, respectively. Also, in 90 % of the cases total duration is of about 50 ms, equal to the limit of BSS time resolution. The groups of the dots have been found to be associated with the rising part of the impulsive flares and a radio-continuum. A model of dot-like emissions based on the anisotropic beam instability is suggested.

Radio bursts with rapid frequency variations -Lace bursts

The Ondřejov radiospectrograph operating in the 0.8-2.0 GHz frequency range recorded in recent years (1998-2000), three (August 10, 1998; August 17, 1999; June 27, 2000) unique bursts with rapid frequency variations (lace bursts) lasting for several minutes. On August 17, 1999, the same burst was recorded simultaneously by the Brazilian Solar Spectroscope in the 1.0-2.5 GHz frequency range. The frequency variations of these bursts in four time intervals were analyzed by the Fourier method and power-law spectra with power-law indices close to -2 were found. The Fourier spectra show the presence of frequency variations in the 0.01-3.0 Hz interval which indicate fast changes of plasma parameters in the radio source. Due to the similarities in the line features of these bursts with zebra pattern lines, a model similar to that of the zebra pattern was suggested. The model radio spectra, computed using this model with a turbulent state of the solar flare atmosphere, are similar to those observed by the radiospectrographs.

Brazilian Solar Spectroscope (bss)

Digital, decimetric (200–2500 MHz) Brazilian Solar Spectroscope (BSS) with high time (10–1000 ms) and frequency (1–10 MHz) resolution is in regular operation since April, 1998, at National Space Research Institute (INPE) at Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil. BSS operates in conjunction with a 9-m diameter polar mounted antenna. It allows to select suitable observing frequency range, frequency and time resolutions and data can be digitized up to 100 channels. BSS has capabilities of quasi-real time display of the ongoing dynamic spectra of the solar activity that enables the observer to modify observational parameters so as to suit a specific type of activity such as spikes and improve the quality of data acquisition and storage. Minimum detectable flux density of the spectroscope, for different combinations of the observational parameters, is ∼3 s.f.u. Observations are carried out routinely from 11 UT to 19 UT. Necessary software for data acquisition and reductions has been developed in IDL 5.3 environment. Data are available in FITS and ASCII formats. Absolute timing accuracy of the station is less than 3 ms. Here, we present examples of the bursts which have been recorded by BSS and available display facilities.