Hinode EUV Imaging Spectrometer Research Articles

On orbit performance of the solar flare trigger for the Hinode EUV imaging spectrometer

We assess the on-orbit performance of the flare event trigger for the Hinode EUV Imaging Spectrometer. Our goal is to understand the time-delay between the occurrence of a flare, as defined by a prompt rise in soft X-ray emission, and the initiation of the response observing study. Wide (266″) slit patrol images in the He II 256.32 Å spectral line are used for flare hunting, and a reponse is triggered when a pre-defined intensity threshold is reached. We use a sample of 13 > M-class flares that succesfully triggered a response, and compare the timings with soft X-ray data from GOES, and hard X-ray data from RHESSI and Fermi. Excluding complex events that are difficult to interpret, the mean on orbit response time for our sample is 2 min 10 s, with an uncertainty of 84 s. These results may be useful for planning autonomous operations for future missions, and give some guidance as to how improvements could be made to capture the important impulsive phase of flares.

The Equilibrium of Coronal Loops Near Separatrices

We present numerical models from the field-aligned HYDrodynamics and RADiation code (HYDRAD) of a highly asymmetric closed coronal loop with near-singular expansion factor. This loop was chosen to simulate a coronal magnetic flux tube that passes close to a null point, as in the last set of closed loops under the fan surface of a coronal jet or a pseudostreamer. The loop has a very large cross section localized near the coronal null. The coronal heating was assumed to be uniform and steady. A siphon flow establishes itself within 4 hr of simulation time, flowing from the smaller-area footpoint to the larger-area footpoint, with high initial speeds dropping rapidly as the plasma approaches the null region. Observationally, this would translate to strong upflows on the order of 10 km s−1 from the footpoint rooted in the localized minority polarity, and weak downflows from the fan-surface footpoint on the order of a few kilometers per second, along with near-stationary plasma near the null region. We present the model results for two heating rates. In addition, we analyzed analogous Hinode EUV Imaging Spectrometer observations of null-point topologies, which show associated Doppler shifts in the plasma that correlate well with the simulation results in both direction and magnitude of the bulk velocity. We discuss the implications of our results for determining observationally the topology of the coronal magnetic field.

Evolution of Plasma Composition in an Eruptive Flux Rope

Abstract Magnetic flux ropes are bundles of twisted magnetic field enveloping a central axis. They harbor free magnetic energy and can be progenitors of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). However, identifying flux ropes on the Sun can be challenging. One of the key coronal observables that has been shown to indicate the presence of a flux rope is a peculiar bright coronal structure called a sigmoid. In this work, we show Hinode EUV Imaging Spectrometer observations of sigmoidal active region (AR) 10977. We analyze the coronal plasma composition in the AR and its evolution as a sigmoid (flux rope) forms and erupts as a CME. Plasma with photospheric composition was observed in coronal loops close to the main polarity inversion line during episodes of significant flux cancellation, suggestive of the injection of photospheric plasma into these loops driven by photospheric flux cancellation. Concurrently, the increasingly sheared core field contained plasma with coronal composition. As flux cancellation decreased and a sigmoid/flux rope formed, the plasma evolved to an intermediate composition in between photospheric and typical AR coronal compositions. Finally, the flux rope contained predominantly photospheric plasma during and after a failed eruption preceding the CME. Hence, plasma composition observations of AR 10977 strongly support models of flux rope formation by photospheric flux cancellation forcing magnetic reconnection first at the photospheric level then at the coronal level.

The active region source of a type III radio storm observed by Parker Solar Probe during encounter 2

Context. We investigated the source of a type III radio burst storm during encounter 2 of NASA’s Parker Solar Probe (PSP) mission. Aims. It was observed that in encounter 2 of NASA’s PSP mission there was a large amount of radio activity and, in particular, a noise storm of frequent, small type III bursts from 31 March to 6 April 2019. Our aim is to investigate the source of these small and frequent bursts. Methods. In order to do this, we analysed data from the Hinode EUV Imaging Spectrometer, PSP FIELDS, and the Solar Dynamics Observatory Atmospheric Imaging Assembly. We studied the behaviour of active region 12737, whose emergence and evolution coincides with the timing of the radio noise storm and determined the possible origins of the electron beams within the active region. To do this, we probed the dynamics, Doppler velocity, non-thermal velocity, FIP bias, and densities, and carried out magnetic modelling. Results. We demonstrate that although the active region on the disc produces no significant flares, its evolution indicates it is a source of the electron beams causing the radio storm. They most likely originate from the area at the edge of the active region that shows strong blue-shifted plasma. We demonstrate that as the active region grows and expands, the area of the blue-shifted region at the edge increases, which is also consistent with the increasing area where large-scale or expanding magnetic field lines from our modelling are anchored. This expansion is most significant between 1 and 4 April 2019, coinciding with the onset of the type III storm and the decrease of the individual burst’s peak frequency, indicating that the height at which the peak radiation is emitted increases as the active region evolves.

Locating Hot Plasma in Small Flares using Spectroscopic Overlappogram Data from the Hinode EUV Imaging Spectrometer

One of the key processes associated with the "standard" flare model is chromospheric evaporation, a process where plasma heated to high temperatures by energy deposition at the flare footpoints is driven upwards into the corona. Despite several decades of study, a number of open questions remain, including the relationship between plasma produced during this process and observations of earlier "superhot" plasma. Hinode/EIS has a wide slot often used as a flare trigger in the He II emission line band. Once the intensity passes a threshold level, the study switches to one focussed on the flaring region. However, when the intensity is not high enough to reach the flare trigger threshold, these datasets are available during the entire flare period and provide high-cadence spectroscopic observations over a large field of view. We use one-minute cadence data from two such studies of a C4.7 flare and a C1.6 flare to probe the relationship between hot Fe XXIV plasma and plasmas observed by RHESSI and XRT to track where the emission comes from, and when it begins. Although the spatial and spectral information are merged in the wide-slot data, it is still possible to extract when the hot plasma appears using the Fe XXIV spectral image. It is also possible to derive spectrally pure Fe XXIV light curves from the EIS data, and compare them with those derived from hard X-rays, enabling a full exploration of the evolution of hot emission. The Fe XXIV emission peaks just after the peak in the hard X-ray lightcurve; consistent with an origin in the evaporation of heated plasma following the transfer of energy to the lower atmosphere. A peak was also found for the C4.7 flare in the RHESSI peak temperature, which occurred before the hard X-rays peaked. This suggests that the first peak in hot-plasma emission is likely directly related to the energy-release process.

Measuring Velocities in the Early Stage of an Eruption: Using “Overlappogram” Data from Hinode EIS

Abstract In order to understand the onset phase of a solar eruption, plasma parameter measurements in the early phases are key to constraining models. There are two current instrument types that allow us to make such measurements: narrow-band imagers and spectrometers. In the former case, even narrow-band filters contain multiple emission lines, creating some temperature confusion. With imagers, however, rapid cadences are achievable and the field of view can be large. Velocities of the erupting structures can be measured by feature tracking. In the spectrometer case, slit spectrometers can provide spectrally pure images by “rastering” the slit to build up an image. This method provides limited temporal resolution, but the plasma parameters can be accurately measured, including velocities along the line of sight. Both methods have benefits and are often used in tandem. In this paper we demonstrate for the first time that data from the wide slot on the Hinode EUV Imaging Spectrometer, along with imaging data from AIA, can be used to deconvolve velocity information at the start of an eruption, providing line-of-sight velocities across an extended field of view. Using He ii 256 Å slot data at flare onset, we observe broadening or shift(s) of the emission line of up to ±280 km s−1. These are seen at different locations—the redshifted plasma is seen where the hard X-ray source is later seen (energy deposition site). In addition, blueshifted plasma shows the very early onset of the fast rise of the filament.

Analysis and modelling of recurrent solar flares observed with Hinode/EIS on March 9, 2012

Three homologous C-class flares and one last M-class flare were observed by both the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and the Hinode EUV Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) in the AR 11429 on March 9, 2012. All the recurrent flares occurred within a short interval of time (less than 4 hours), showed very similar plasma morphology and were all confined, until the last one when a large-scale eruption occurred. The C-class flares are characterized by the appearance, at approximatively the same locations, of two bright and compact footpoint sources of $\approx$~3--10~MK evaporating plasma, and a semi-circular ribbon. During all the flares, the continuous brightening of a spine-like hot plasma ($\approx$~10~MK) structure is also observed. Spectroscopic observations with Hinode/EIS are used to measure and compare the blueshift velocities in the \fexxiii\ emission line and the electron number density at the flare footpoints for each flare. Similar velocities, of the order of 150--200~km~s$^{-1}$, are observed during the C2.0 and C4.7 confined flares, in agreement with the values reported by other authors in the study of the last M1.8 class flare. On the other hand, lower electron number densities and temperatures tend to be observed in flares with lower peak soft X-ray flux.In order to investigate the homologous nature of the flares, we performed a Non-Linear Force-Free Field (NLFFF) extrapolation of the 3D magnetic field configuration in the corona. The NLFFF extrapolation and the Quasi-Separatrix Layers (QSLs) provide the magnetic field context which explains the location of the kernels, spine-like and semi-circular brightenings observed in the (non-eruptive) flares. Given the absence of a coronal null point, we argue that the homologous flares were all generated by the continuous recurrence of bald patch reconnection.

First evidence of non-Gaussian solar flare EUV spectral line profiles and accelerated non-thermal ion motion

The properties of solar flare plasma can be determined from the observation of optically thin lines. The emitting ion distribution determines the shape of the line, with an isothermal Maxwellian ion distribution producing a Gaussian profile. Non-Gaussian lines may indicate more complex ion distributions. We investigate the possibility of determining flare-accelerated non-thermal ion or plasma velocity distributions. We study EUV spectral lines during a flare SOL2013-05-15T01:45 using the Hinode EUV Imaging Spectrometer (EIS). The flare is located close to the eastern solar limb with an extended loop structure, allowing the different flare features: ribbons, hard X-ray (HXR) footpoints and the loop-top source to be clearly observed in UV, EUV and X-rays. EUV line spectroscopy is performed in seven different regions. We study the line profiles of isolated and unblended Fe XVI lines (262.976 A) formed at temperatures of 2-4 MK. Fe XVI line profiles at one time close to the peak soft X-ray emission and free of directed mass motions are examined using: 1. a higher moments analysis, 2. Gaussian fitting, and 3. by fitting a kappa distribution profile convolved with a Gaussian to account for the EIS instrumental profile. Fe XVI line profiles in the loop-top, HXR footpoint and ribbon regions can be confidently fitted with a kappa line profile, giving low, non-thermal kappa values between 2-3.3. A higher moments analysis also finds that many of the line kurtosis values are higher than the Gaussian value of 3, even with the presence of a broad Gaussian instrumental profile. A flare-accelerated non-thermal ion population could account for both the observed non-Gaussian line profiles, and for the Fe XVI excess broadening found from Gaussian fitting, if the emitting ions are interacting with a thermalised 4 MK electron population, and the instrumental profile is well-approximated by a Gaussian.

Evidence for a Magnetic Flux Rope in Observations of a Solar Prominence-Cavity System

Coronal cavities are regions of low coronal emission that usually sit above solar prominences. These systems can exist for days or months before erupting. The magnetic structure of the prominence-cavity system during the quiescent period is important to understanding the pre-eruption phase. We describe observations of a coronal cavity situated above a solar prominence observed on the western limb as part of an Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) and Hinode coordinated Observation Program (IHOP 264). During the observation run, an inflow of hot plasma observed by the Hinode X-Ray Telescope (XRT) envelopes the coronal cavity and triggers an eruption of chromospheric plasma near the base of the prominence. During and after the eruption, bright X-ray emission forms within the cavity and above the prominence. IRIS and the Hinode EUV Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) show strong blue shifts in both chromospheric and coronal lines during the eruption. The Hinode Solar Optical Telescope (SOT) Ca II H-line data show bright emission during the ejection with complex, turbulent, flows near the prominence and along the cavity wall. These observations suggest a cylindrical flux rope best represents the cavity structure with the ejected material flowing along magnetic field lines supporting the cavity. We also find evidence for heating of the plasma inside the cavity after the flows. A model of the magnetic structure of the cavity comprised of a weakly twisted flux rope can explain the observed loops in the X-ray and EUV data. Observations from the Coronal Multichannel Polarimeter (CoMP) are compared to predicted models and are inconclusive. We find that more sensitive measurements of the magnetic field strength along the line-of-sight are needed to verify this configuration.

DOPPLER SHIFT OF THE QUIET REGION MEASURED BY MERIDIONAL SCANS WITH THE EUV IMAGING SPECTROMETER ON BOARD HINODE

ABSTRACT Spatially averaged ( > 50 ″ ?> ) EUV spectral lines in the transition region of solar quiet regions are known to be redshifted. Because the mechanism underlying this phenomenon is unclear, we require additional physical information on the lower corona in order to limit the theoretical models. To acquire this information, we measured the Doppler shifts over a wide coronal temperature range ( log T [ K ] = 5.7 ?> –6.3) using the spectroscopic data taken by the Hinode EUV Imaging Spectrometer. By analyzing the data over the center-to-limb variations covering the meridian from the south to the north pole, we successfully measured the velocity to an accuracy of 3 km s - 1 ?> . Below log T [ K ] = 6.0 , ?> the Doppler shifts of the emission lines were almost zero with an error of 1–3 km s - 1 ?> ; above this temperature, they were blueshifted with a gradually increasing magnitude, reaching − 6.3 ± 2.1 km s - 1 ?> at log T [ K ] = 6.25 . ?>

SPECTROSCOPIC SIGNATURES RELATED TO A SUNQUAKE

The presence of flare related acoustic emission (sunquakes) in some flares represents a severe challenge to our current understanding of flare energy transport processes. We present a comparison of new spectral observations from Hinode's EUV imaging Spectrometer (EIS) and the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) of the atmosphere above a sunquake, and compare them to the spectra observed in a part of the flaring region with no acoustic signature. Evidence for the sunquake is determined using both time-distance and acoustic holography methods, and we find that, unlike many previous sunquake detections, the signal is rather dispersed, but that the time-distance and 6 and 7 mHz sources converge at the same spatial location. We also see some evidence for different evolution at different frequencies, with an earlier peak at 7 mHz than at 6 mHz. Using spectroscopic measurements we find that in this location at the time of the 7 mHz peak the spectral emission is significantly more intense, shows larger velocity shifts and substantially broader profiles than in the location with no sunquake, and that there is a good correlation between blue-shifted, hot coronal, hard X-ray (HXR) and red-shifted chromospheric emission, consistent with the idea of a strong downward motion driven by rapid heating by non-thermal electrons and the formation of chromospheric shocks. Exploiting the diagnostic potential of the Mg II triplet lines, we also find evidence for a single, large temperature increase deep in the atmosphere, consistent with this scenario. The time of the 6 mHz and time-distance peak signal coincides with a secondary peak in the energy release process, but in this case we find no evidence of HXR emission in the quake location, but very broad spectral lines, strongly shifted to the red, indicating the possible presence of a significant flux of downward propagating Alfven waves.

PARALLEL EVOLUTION OF QUASI-SEPARATRIX LAYERS AND ACTIVE REGION UPFLOWS

Persistent plasma upflows were observed with Hinode's EUV Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) at the edges of active region (AR) 10978 as it crossed the solar disk. We analyze the evolution of the photospheric magnetic and velocity fields of the AR, model its coronal magnetic field, and compute the location of magnetic null-points and quasi-sepratrix layers (QSLs) searching for the origin of EIS upflows. Magnetic reconnection at the computed null points cannot explain all of the observed EIS upflow regions. However, EIS upflows and QSLs are found to evolve in parallel, both temporarily and spatially. Sections of two sets of QSLs, called outer and inner, are found associated to EIS upflow streams having different characteristics. The reconnection process in the outer QSLs is forced by a large-scale photospheric flow pattern which is present in the AR for several days. We propose a scenario in which upflows are observed provided a large enough asymmetry in plasma pressure exists between the pre-reconnection loops and for as long as a photospheric forcing is at work. A similar mechanism operates in the inner QSLs, in this case, it is forced by the emergence and evolution of the bipoles between the two main AR polarities. Our findings provide strong support to the results from previous individual case studies investigating the role of magnetic reconnection at QSLs as the origin of the upflowing plasma. Furthermore, we propose that persistent reconnection along QSLs does not only drive the EIS upflows, but it is also responsible for a continuous metric radio noise-storm observed in AR 10978 along its disk transit by the Nan\c{c}ay Radio Heliograph.

FIP BIAS EVOLUTION IN A DECAYING ACTIVE REGION

Solar coronal plasma composition is typically characterized by first ionization potential (FIP) bias. Using spectra obtained by Hinode's EUV Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) instrument, we present a series of large-scale, spatially resolved composition maps of active region (AR) 11389. The composition maps show how FIP bias evolves within the decaying AR from 2012 January 4-6. Globally, FIP bias decreases throughout the AR. We analyzed areas of significant plasma composition changes within the decaying AR and found that small-scale evolution in the photospheric magnetic field is closely linked to the FIP bias evolution observed in the corona. During the AR's decay phase, small bipoles emerging within supergranular cells reconnect with the pre-existing AR field, creating a pathway along which photospheric and coronal plasmas can mix. The mixing time scales are shorter than those of plasma enrichment processes. Eruptive activity also results in shifting the FIP bias closer to photospheric in the affected areas. Finally, the FIP bias still remains dominantly coronal only in a part of the AR's high-flux density core. We conclude that in the decay phase of an AR's lifetime, the FIP bias is becoming increasingly modulated by episodes of small-scale flux emergence, i.e. decreasing the AR's overall FIP bias. Our results show that magnetic field evolution plays an important role in compositional changes during AR development, revealing a more complex relationship than expected from previous well-known Skylab results showing that FIP bias increases almost linearly with age in young ARs (Widing $\&$ Feldman, 2001, ApJ, 555, 426).

A Study of the Coronal Non-thermal Velocity in Polar Regions During the Rise from Solar Minimum to Solar Maximum in Cycle 24

We explore the changes in coronal non-thermal velocity (V nt) measurements at the poles from solar minimum to solar maximum using Hinode EUV Imaging Spectrometer data. We find that although the intensity in the corona at the poles does tend to increase with the cycle, there are no significant changes in the V nt values. The locations of enhanced V nt values measured do not always have a counterpart in intensity, and they are sometimes located in weak emission regions. Unipolar magnetic streams, created through diffusion of the following polarity of the decaying active regions, slowly progress towards the poles. These streams are expected to be related to magnetic nulls as locations that indicate an increased likelihood for magnetic reconnection to occur. Through global potential field source-surface modelling, we determine how the number of nulls varied during the cycle and find that those that lie at < 1.1 solar radii vary significantly. We search for a correlation between the variation of the magnetic nulls and the V nt values, as it may be expected that with an increasing number of nulls, the V nt values in the corona increase as well. There is no correlation with the V nt values, however. This indicates that the magnetic structures that create the enhanced V nt behaviour are small-scale features and hence not easily measurable at the poles. Because they do not change during the solar cycle, they are likely to be created by a local dynamo. The variation of the upper range of V nt is reduced, which highlights that strongly dynamic behaviour is reduced as the solar maximum approaches. This is likely to be due to the reduced area of the polar coronal hole, which allows fewer opportunities for reconnection to occur between open and closed magnetic fields.

HOT TOPIC, WARM LOOPS, COOLING PLASMA? MULTITHERMAL ANALYSIS OF ACTIVE REGION LOOPS

We have found indications of a relationship between the differential emission measure (DEM) weighted temperature and the cross-field DEM width for coronal loops. The data come from the Hinode X-ray Telescope, the Hinode EUV Imaging Spectrometer, and the Solar Dynamics Observatory Atmospheric Imaging Assembly. These data show that cooler loops tend to have narrower DEM widths. If most loops observed by these instruments are composed of bundles of unresolved magnetic strands and are only observed in their cooling phase, as some studies have suggested, then this relationship implies that the DEM of a coronal loop narrows as it cools. This could imply that fewer strands are seen emitting in the later cooling phase, potentially resolving the long standing controversy of whether the cross-field temperatures of coronal loops are multithermal or isothermal.

Elemental abundances and temperatures of quiescent solar active region cores from X-ray observations

A brief review of studies of elemental abundances and emission measures in quiescent solar active region cores is presented. Hinode EUV Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) observations of strong iron spectral lines have shown sharply peaked distributions around 3 MK. EIS observations of lines emitted by a range of elements have allowed good estimates of abundances relative to iron. However, X-ray observations are required to measure the plasma emission above 3 MK and the abundances of oxygen and neon. We revisit, using upto-date atomic data, older X-ray observations obtained by a sounding rocket and by the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) Flat Crystal Spectrometer (FCS). We find that the Fe/ Oa nd Fe/Ne ratios are normally increased by a factor of 3.2, compared to the photospheric values. Similar results are obtained from FCS observations of six quiescent active region cores. The FCS observations also indicate that the emission measure above 3 MK has a very steep negative slope, with very little plasma observed at 5 MK or above.

EVIDENCE FOR HOT FAST FLOW ABOVE A SOLAR FLARE ARCADE

Solar flares are one of the main forces behind space weather events. However the mechanism that drives such energetic phenomena is not fully understood. The standard eruptive flare model predicts that magnetic reconnection occurs high in the corona where hot fast flows are created. Some imaging or spectroscopic observations have indicated the presence of these hot fast flows but there have been no spectroscopic scanning observation to date to measure the two-dimensional structure quantitatively. We analyzed a flare that occurred on the west solar limb on 27 January 2012 observed by the Hinode EUV Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) and found that the hot (~30MK) fast (>500 km/s) component was located above the flare loop. This is consistent with magnetic reconnection taking place above the flare loop.

THE LOCATION OF NON-THERMAL VELOCITY IN THE EARLY PHASES OF LARGE FLARES—REVEALING PRE-ERUPTION FLUX ROPES

Non-thermal velocity measurements of the solar atmosphere, particularly from UV and X-ray emission lines have demonstrated over the decades that this parameter is important in understanding the triggering of solar flares. Enhancements have often been observed before intensity enhancements are seen. However, until the launch of Hinode, it has been difficult to determine the spatial location of the enhancements to better understand the source region. The Hinode EUV Imaging Spectrometer has the spectral and spatial resolution to allow us to probe the early stages of flares in detail. We analyze four events, all of which are GOES M- or X-classification flares, and all are located toward the limb for ease of flare geometry interpretation. Three of the flares were eruptive and one was confined. In all events, pre-flare enhancement in non-thermal velocity at the base of the active region and its surroundings has been found. These enhancements seem to be consistent with the footpoints of the dimming regions, and hence may be highlighting the activation of a coronal flux rope for the three eruptive events. In addition, pre-flare enhancements in non-thermal velocity were found above the looptops for the three eruptive events.

A revised radiometric calibration for the Hinode/EIS instrument

A preliminary assessment of the in-flight radiometric calibration of the Hinode EUV Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) is presented. This is done with the line ratio technique applied to a wide range of observations of the quiet Sun, active regions and flares from 2006 until 2012. The best diagnostic lines and the relevant atomic data are discussed in detail. Radiances over the quiet Sun are also considered, with comparisons with previous measurements. Some departures in the shapes of the ground calibration responsivities are found at the start of the mission. These shapes do not change significantly over time, with the exception of the shorter wavelengths of the EIS short-wavelength (SW) channel, which shows some degradation. The sensitivity of the SW channel at longer wavelengths does not show significant degradation, while that of the long-wavelength (LW) channel shows a significant degradation with time. By the beginning of 2010 the responsivity of the LW channel was already a factor of two or more lower than the values measured on the ground. A first-order correction is proposed. With this correction, the main ratios of lines in the two channels become constant to within a relative 20%, and the He II 256 A radiances over the quiet Sun also become constant over time. This correction removes long-standing discrepancies for a number of lines and ions, in particular those involving the strongest Fe X, Fe XIII, Fe XIV, Fe XVII, and Fe XXIV lines, where discrepancies of factors of more than two were found. These results have important implications for various EIS science analyses, in particular for measurements of temperatures, emission measures and elemental abundances.

OUTFLOWS AND DARK BANDS AT ARCADE-LIKE ACTIVE REGION CORE BOUNDARIES

Observations from the EUV Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) on board Hinode have revealed outflows and non-thermal line broadening in low intensity regions at the edges of active regions (ARs). We use data from Hinode's EIS, Solar Dynamic Observatory's Atmospheric Imaging Assembly and Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager, and the Transition Region and Coronal Explorer instrument to investigate the boundaries of arcade-like AR cores for NOAA ARs 11112, 10978, and 9077. A narrow, low intensity region that is observed at the core's periphery as a dark band shows outflows and increased spectral line broadening. This dark band is found to exist for days and appears between the bright coronal loop structures of different coronal topologies. We find a case where the dark band region is formed between the magnetic field from emerging flux and the field of the pre-existing flux. A magnetic field extrapolation indicates that this dark band is coincident with the spine lines or magnetic separatrices in the extrapolated field. This occurs over unipolar regions where the brightened coronal field is separated in connectivity and topology. This separation does not appear to be infinitesimal and an initial estimate of the minimum distance of separation is found to be ≈1.5-3.5 Mm.