Quasi-periodic Fast-propagating Wave Research Articles

The centroid speed as a characteristic of the group speed of solar coronal fast magnetoacoustic wave trains

ABSTRACT The highly filamented nature of the coronal plasma significantly influences dynamic processes in the corona such as magnetohydrodynamic waves and oscillations. Fast magnetoacoustic waves, guided by coronal plasma non-uniformities, exhibit strong geometric dispersion, forming quasi-periodic fast-propagating (QFP) wave trains. QFP wave trains are observed in extreme-ultraviolet imaging data and indirectly in microwaves and low-frequency radio, aiding in understanding the magnetic connectivity, energy, and mass transport in the corona. However, measuring the field-aligned group speed of QFP wave trains, as a key parameter for seismological analysis, is challenging due to strong dispersion and associated rapid evolution of the wave train envelope. We demonstrate that the group speed of QFP wave trains formed in plane low-β coronal plasma non-uniformities can be assessed through the propagation of the wave train’s effective centre of mass, referred to as the wave train’s centroid speed. This centroid speed, as a potential observable, is shown empirically to correspond to the group speed of the most energetic Fourier harmonic in the wave train. The centroid speed is found to be almost insensitive to the waveguide density contrast with the ambient corona, and to vary with the steepness of the transverse density profile. The discrepancy between the centroid speed as the group speed measure and the phase speed at the corresponding wavelength is shown to reach 70 per cent, which is crucial for the energy flux estimation and interpretation of observations.

High-order Harmonics of a Kink Wave and a Narrow Quasiperiodic Fast-propagating Wave Train Excited Simultaneously in a Plasma Resonator

We present the observations of multimode kink waves and a narrow quasiperiodic fast-propagating (QFP) wave train in association with a jet on 2011 December 11. The jet impinged on a loop, which excited a propagating kink mode transitioning into a standing kink mode and also excited a QFP wave train away from the jet. Motion magnification is used to fit the higher harmonic standing wave oscillation profile with three periods at three different spatial locations. The periods have the ratio 6:3:2. The ratio of the fundamental mode to the second harmonic of the standing wave is about 1.95, suggesting that the magnetic field strength variation effect is strong enough to cancel out the density stratification. The differential emission measure is used to estimate the loop’s plasma property at these three points, and it found the density and the temperature are roughly constant. The magnetic field strength, B = 51 ± 16 G, is derived by the coronal seismology using the fundamental kink mode. It is striking to find that the the ratio of the second harmonic to the third harmonic of the kink wave coincides with that of the periods of the QFP wave train, and the ratio of periods is about 1.5 in both cases. We propose that the excitation of the high-order harmonics and the QFP wave train could be the nonlinear response of the steep density-gradient plasma interacting with electromagnetic field in the southwest foot region. This region, like a resonator, might play an important role in energy reservoir capture and act as a frequency filter to generate propagating waves of particular frequencies.

Recurrent Narrow Quasiperiodic Fast-propagating Wave Trains Excited by the Intermittent Energy Release in the Accompanying Solar Flare

About the driven mechanisms of the quasiperiodic fast-propagating (QFP) wave trains, there exist two dominant competing physical explanations: they are associated with the flaring energy release or attributed to the waveguide dispersion. Employing Solar Dynamics Observatory/Atmospheric Imaging Assembly 171 Å images, we investigated a series of QFP wave trains composed of multiple wave fronts propagating along a loop system during the accompanying flare on 2011 November 11. The wave trains showed a high correlation in start times with the energy release of the accompanying flare. Measurements show that the wave trains’ phase speed is almost consistent with its group speed with a value of about 1000 km s−1, indicating that the wave trains should not be considered dispersed waves. The period of the wave trains was the same as that of the oscillatory signal in X-ray emissions released by the flare. Thus we propose that the QFP wave trains were most likely triggered by the flare rather than by dispersion. We investigated the seismological application with the QFP waves and then obtained that the magnetic field strength of the waveguide was about 10 G. Meanwhile, we also estimated that the energy flux of the wave trains was about 1.2 × 105 erg cm−2 s−1.

White-light QFP wave train and the associated failed breakout eruption

Quasi-periodic fast-propagating (QFP) magnetosonic wave trains are commonly observed in the low corona at extreme ultraviolet wavelength bands. Here, we report the first white-light imaging observation of a QFP wave train propagating outwardly in the outer corona ranging from 2 to 4 R⊙. The wave train was recorded by the Large Angle Spectroscopic Coronagraph on board the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), and was associated with a GOES M1.5 flare in NOAA active region AR12172 at the southwest limb of the solar disk. Measurements show that the speed and period of the wave train were about 218 km s−1 and 26 min, respectively. The extreme ultraviolet imaging observations taken by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly on board the Solar Dynamic Observatory reveal that in the low corona the QFP wave train was associated with the failed eruption of a breakout magnetic system consisting of three low-lying closed loop systems enclosed by a high-lying large-scale one. Data analysis results show that the failed eruption of the breakout magnetic system was mainly because of the magnetic reconnection that occurred between the two lateral low-lying closed-loop systems. This reconnection enhances the confinement capacity of the magnetic breakout system because the upward-moving reconnected loops continuously feed new magnetic fluxes to the high-lying large-scale loop system. For the generation of the QFP wave train, we propose that it could be excited by the intermittent energy pulses released by the quasi-periodic generation, rapid stretching, and expansion of the upward-moving, strongly bent reconnected loops.

Observations of a Flare-ignited Broad Quasiperiodic Fast-propagating Wave Train

Large-scale extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) waves are frequently observed as an accompanying phenomenon of flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Previous studies mainly focused on EUV waves with single wave fronts that are generally thought to be driven by the lateral expansion of CMEs. Using high spatiotemporal resolution multi-angle imaging observations taken by the Solar Dynamics Observatory and the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory, we present the observation of a broad quasiperiodic fast-propagating (QFP) wave train composed of multiple wave fronts along the solar surface during the rising phase of a GOES M3.5 flare on 2011 February 24. The wave train transmitted through a lunate coronal hole (CH) with a speed of ∼840 ± 67 km s−1, and the wave fronts showed an intriguing refraction effect when they passed through the boundaries of the CH. Due to the lunate shape of the CH, the transmitted wave fronts from the north and south arms of the CH started to approach each other and finally collided, leading to a significant intensity enhancement at the collision site. This enhancement might hint at the occurrence of interference between the two transmitted wave trains. The estimated magnetosonic Mach number of the wave train is about 1.13, which indicates that the observed wave train was a weak shock. Period analysis reveals that the period of the wave train was ∼90 s, in good agreement with that of the accompanying flare. Based on our analysis results, we conclude that the broad QFP wave train was a large-amplitude fast-mode magnetosonic wave or a weak shock driven by some nonlinear energy release processes in the accompanying flare.

Homologous Accelerated Electron Beams, a Quasiperiodic Fast-propagating Wave, and a Coronal Mass Ejection Observed in One Fan-spine Jet

Abstract Using imaging and radio multi-wavelength observations, we studied the origin of two homologous accelerated electron beams and a quasiperiodic fast-propagating (QFP) wave train associated with a solar jet on 2012 July 14. The jet occurred in a small-scale fan-spine magnetic system embedded in a large-scale pseudostreamer associated with a GOES C1.4 flare, a jet-like coronal mass ejection (CME), a type II radio burst, and a type III radio burst. During the initial stage, a QFP wave train and a fast-moving on-disk radio source were detected in succession ahead of the jet along the outer spine of the fan-spine system. When the jet reached a height of about 1.3 solar radii, it underwent a bifurcation into two branches. Based on our analysis results, all the observed phenomena in association with the jet can be explained by using a fan-spine magnetic system. We propose that both the type III radio burst and the on-disk fast-moving radio source were caused by the same physical process, i.e., energetic electrons accelerated by magnetic reconnection at the null point, and these energetic electrons were propagating along the open field lines of the pseudostreamer and the closed outer spine of the fan-spine structure, respectively. Due to the bifurcation of the jet body, the lower branch along the closed outer spine of the fan-spine structure fell back to the solar surface, while the upper branch along the open field lines of the pseudostreamer caused the jet-like CME in the outer corona.

Two Quasi-periodic Fast-propagating Magnetosonic Wave Events Observed in Active Region NOAA 11167

Abstract We report a detailed observational study of two quasi-periodic fast-propagating (QFP) magnetosonic wave events that occurred on 2011 March 9 and 10, respectively. Interestingly, both the events have two wave trains (WTs): a strong main one (WT-1) and a small and weak secondary one (WT-2). Peculiar and common characteristics of the two events are observed, namely, (1) the two QFP waves are accompanied with brightenings during the whole stage of the eruptions; (2) both the two main WTs are nearly propagating along the same direction; (3) extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) waves are found to be associated with the two events. Investigating various aspects of the target events, we argue that (1) the second event is accompanied with a flux rope eruption during the whole stage; (2) the second event eruption produces a new filament-like dark feature; (3) the ripples of the two WT-2 QFP waves seem to result from different triggering mechanisms. Based on the obtained observational results, we propose that the funnel-like coronal loop system is indeed playing an important role in the two WT-1 QFP waves. The development of the second WT-2 QFP wave can be explained as due to the dispersion of the main EUV front. The coexistence of the two events offers thereby a significant opportunity to reveal what driving mechanisms and structures are tightly related to the waves.

Coronal EUV, QFP, and kink waves simultaneously launched during the course of jet–loop interaction

Abstract We present the observations of an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) wave, a quasi-periodic fast-propagating (QFP) magnetosonic wave, and a kink wave that were simultaneously associated with the impingement of a coronal jet upon a group of coronal loops. After the interaction, the coronal loop showed obvious kink oscillation that had a period of about 428 s. In the meantime, a large-scale EUV wave and a QFP wave are observed on the west of the interaction position. It is interesting that the QFP wave showed refraction effect during its passing through two strong magnetic regions. The angular extent, speed, and lifetime of the EUV (QFP) wave were about 140° (40°), 423 (322) km s−1, and 6 (26) min, respectively. It is measured that the period of the QFP wave was about 390 ± 100. Based on the observational analysis results, we propose that the kink wave was probably excited by the interaction of the jet; the EUV was probably launched by the sudden expansion of the loop system due to the impingement of the coronal jet; and the QFP wave was possibly formed through the dispersive evolution of the disturbance caused by the jet–loop interaction.

An Extreme-ultraviolet Wave Generating Upward Secondary Waves in a Streamer-like Solar Structure

Abstract Extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) waves, spectacular horizontally propagating disturbances in the low solar corona, always trigger horizontal secondary waves (SWs) when they encounter the ambient coronal structure. We present the first example of upward SWs in a streamer-like structure after the passing of an EUV wave. This event occurred on 2017 June 1. The EUV wave happened during a typical solar eruption including a filament eruption, a coronal mass ejection (CME), and a C6.6 flare. The EUV wave was associated with quasi-periodic fast propagating (QFP) wave trains and a type II radio burst that represented the existence of a coronal shock. The EUV wave had a fast initial velocity of ∼1000 km s−1, comparable to high speeds of the shock and the QFP wave trains. Intriguingly, upward SWs rose slowly (∼80 km s−1) in the streamer-like structure after the sweeping of the EUV wave. The upward SWs seemed to originate from limb brightenings that were caused by the EUV wave. All of the results show that the EUV wave is a fast-mode magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) shock wave, likely triggered by the flare impulses. We suggest that part of the EUV wave was probably trapped in the closed magnetic fields of the streamer-like structure, and upward SWs possibly resulted from the release of slow-mode trapped waves. It is believed that the interplay of the strong compression of the coronal shock and the configuration of the streamer-like structure is crucial for the formation of upward SWs.

Dispersively formed quasi-periodic fast magnetosonic wavefronts due to the eruption of a nearby mini-filament

Abstract Observational analysis is performed to study the excitation mechanism and propagation properties of a quasi-periodic fast-propagating (QFP) magnetosonic wave. The QFP wave was associated with the eruption of a nearby mini-filament and a small B4 Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) flare, which may indicate that the generation of a QFP wave does not require much flare energy. The propagation of the QFP wave was along a bundle of funnel-shaped open loops with a speed of about 1100 ± 78 km s−1 and an acceleration of −2.2 ± 1.1 km s−2. Periodicity analysis indicates that the periods of the QFP wave are 43 ± 6 and 79 ± 18 s. For the first time, we find that the periods of the QFP wave and the accompanying flare are inconsistent, which is different from the findings reported in previous studies. We propose that the present QFP wave was possibly caused by the mechanism of dispersive evolution of the initially broad-band disturbance resulting from the nearby mini-filament eruption.

A Quasi-periodic Fast-propagating Magnetosonic Wave Associated with the Eruption of a Magnetic Flux Rope

Abstract Using high temporal and high spatial resolution observations taken by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory, we present a detailed observational analysis of a high-quality quasi-periodic fast-propagating (QFP) magnetosonic wave that was associated with the eruption of a magnetic flux rope and a GOES C5.0 flare. For the first time, we find that the QFP wave lasted for the entire flare lifetime rather than only during the rising phase of the accompanying flare, as reported in previous studies. In addition, the propagation of the different parts of the wave train showed different kinematics and morphologies. For the southern (northern) part, the speed, duration, and intensity variation are about 875 ± 29 (1485 ± 233) km s−1, 45 (60) minutes, and 4% (2%), and their pronounced periods are 106 ± 12 and 160 ± 18 (75 ± 10 and 120 ± 16) s, respectively. It is interesting that the northern part of the wave train showed an obvious refraction effect when it passed through a region of strong magnetic field. The result of a periodicity analysis indicates that all of the periods of the QFP wave can be found in the period spectrum of the accompanying flare, suggesting their common physical origin. We propose that the quasi-periodic nonlinear magnetohydrodynamics process in the magnetic reconnection that produces the accompanying flare should be important in exciting a QFP wave, and the different magnetic distributions along different paths can account for the different speeds and morphology evolution of the wave fronts.

Observations of a Fast-mode Magnetosonic Wave Propagating along a Curving Coronal Loop on 2011 November 11

Abstract The detailed analysis of an interesting quasi-periodic fast-propagating (QFP) magnetosonic wave is presented using high-resolution observations taken by the Solar Dynamic Observatory. The QFP wave occurred over the west solar limb during the fast eruption phase of a nearby prominence. It propagated along a group of curving coronal loop and manifested two types of wave trains that showed different morphologies and propagation characteristics. The wavefronts of the first type wave trains are relatively broad, and they changed their propagation direction when they pass through the turning part of the guiding loop. On the contrary, the wavefronts of the other type wave trains are narrow, and their propagation did not affected by geometric changes of the guiding loop. Measurements indicate that the average speeds of the broad (narrow) wave trains is , and the period of the wave trains ranges from 54 to 458 s. We propose that the narrow wave trains may manifest the leakage of the wave trains from the guiding coronal loop, or were guided by another group of invisible coronal loop. In addition, the projection effect and weak magnetic field strength of the guiding coronal loop are proposed to explain the slow wave speed.

Observations of a Quasi-periodic, Fast-Propagating Magnetosonic Wave in Multiple Wavelengths and Its Interaction with Other Magnetic Structures

We present observations of a quasi-periodic fast-propagating (QFP) magnetosonic wave on 23 April 2012, with high-resolution observations taken by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory. Three minutes after the start of a C2.0 flare, wave trains were first observed along an open divergent loop system in 171 Å observations at a distance of 150 Mm from the footpoint of the guiding loop system and with a speed of 689 km s−1, then they appeared in 193 Å observations after their interaction with a perpendicular, underlaying loop system on the path; in the meantime; their speed decelerated to 343 km s−1 within a short time. The sudden deceleration of the wave trains and their appearance in 193 Å observations are interpreted through a geometric effect and the density increase of the guiding loop system, respectively. We find that the wave trains have a common period of 80 seconds with the flare. In addition, a few low frequencies are also identified in the QFP wave. We propose that the generation of the period of 80 seconds was caused by the periodic releasing of energy bursts through some nonlinear processes in magnetic reconnection, while the low frequencies were possibly the leakage of pressure-driven oscillations from the photosphere or chromosphere, which could be an important source for driving coronal QFP waves. Our results also indicate that the properties of the guiding magnetic structure, such as the distributions of magnetic field and density as well as geometry, are crucial for modulating the propagation behaviors of QFP waves.