Ramaty High Energy Spectroscopic Imager Research Articles

An overview of HMI off-disk flare observations

Context. White-light continuum observations of solar flares often have coronal counterparts, including the classical ‘white-light prominence’ (WLP) phenomenon. Aims. Coronal emissions by flares, seen in the white-light continuum, have only rarely been reported. We seek to use modern data to understand the morphology of WLP events. Methods. We have identified a set of 14 examples of WLPs detected by the Heliospheric and Magnetic Imager (HMI) experiment on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) satellite using a new online catalogue that covers 2011–2017. These WLPs invariably accompanied white-light flare (WLF) emission from the lower atmosphere from flares near the limb, as identified by hard X-ray images from the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI). HMI provides full Stokes information, and we have used the linear polarisations (Q and U) to distinguish Thomson scattering from cool material. Results. The event morphologies fit roughly into three categories – ejection, loop, and spike – but many events show multiple phenomena. Conclusions. The coronal white-light continuum, observed by HMI analogously to the observations made by a coronagraph, reveals many examples of coronal emission and dynamics. Using the Stokes linear polarisation, we estimate the masses of hot coronal plasma in 11 of the 14 events and find them to be similar to typical coronal-mass-ejection masses, but without exceeding 1015 g. We note that the HMI observations do not occult the bright solar disk and were not designed for coronal observations, resulting in relatively low signal-to-noise ratios. We therefore believe that future such observations with better optimisation will be even more fruitful.

The Multi-instrument (EVE-RHESSI) DEM for Solar Flares, and Implications for Nonthermal Emission

Abstract Solar flare X-ray spectra are typically dominated by thermal bremsstrahlung emission in the soft X-ray (≲10 keV) energy range; for hard X-ray energies (≳30 keV), emission is typically nonthermal from beams of electrons. The low-energy extent of nonthermal emission has only been loosely quantified. It has been difficult to obtain a lower limit for a possible nonthermal cutoff energy due to the significantly dominant thermal emission. Here we use solar flare data from the extreme ultraviolet Variability Experiment on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory and X-ray data from the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Spectroscopic Imager to calculate the Differential Emission Measure (DEM). This improvement over the isothermal approximation and any single-instrument DEM helps to resolve ambiguities in the range where thermal and nonthermal emission overlap, and to provide constraints on the low-energy cutoff. In the model, thermal emission is from a DEM that is parameterized as multiple Gaussians in Log(T). Nonthermal emission results from a photon spectrum obtained using a thick-target emission model. Spectra for both instruments are fit simultaneously in a self-consistent manner. Our results have been obtained using a sample of 52 large (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite X- and M-class) solar flares observed between 2011 and 2013. It turns out that it is often possible to determine low-energy cutoffs early (in the first two minutes) during large flares. Cutoff energies at these times are typically low, less than 10 keV, when assuming coronal abundances. With photospheric abundances, cutoff energies are typically ∼10 keV higher, in the ∼17–25 keV range.

Generation Mechanisms of Quasi-parallel and Quasi-circular Flare Ribbons in a Confined Flare

Abstract We analyze a confined multiple-ribbon M2.1 flare (SOL2015-01-29T11:42) that originated from a fan-spine coronal magnetic field configuration, within active region NOAA 12268. The observed ribbons form in two steps. First, two primary ribbons form at the main flare site, followed by the formation of secondary ribbons at remote locations. We observe a number of plasma flows at extreme-ultraviolet temperatures during the early phase of the flare (as early as 15 minutes before the onset) propagating toward the formation site of the secondary ribbons. The secondary ribbon formation is co-temporal with the arrival of the pre-flare generated plasma flows. The primary ribbons are co-spatial with Ramaty High Energy Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) hard X-ray sources, whereas no enhanced X-ray emission is detected at the secondary ribbon sites. The (E)UV emission, associated with the secondary ribbons, peaks ∼1 minute after the last RHESSI hard X-ray enhancement. A nonlinear force-free model of the coronal magnetic field reveals that the secondary flare ribbons are not directly connected to the primary ribbons, but to regions nearby. Detailed analysis suggests that the secondary brightenings are produced due to dissipation of kinetic energy of the plasma flows (heating due to compression), and not due to non-thermal particles accelerated by magnetic reconnection, as is the case for the primary ribbons.

The Solar X-Ray Limb

Abstract We describe a new technique to measure the height of the X-ray limb with observations from occulted X-ray flare sources as observed by the RHESSI (the Reuven Ramaty High-Energy Spectroscopic Imager) satellite. This method has model dependencies different from those present in traditional observations at optical wavelengths, which depend upon detailed modeling involving radiative transfer in a medium with complicated geometry and flows. It thus provides an independent and more rigorous measurement of the “true” solar radius, which means that of the mass distribution. RHESSI’s measurement makes use of the flare X-ray source’s spatial Fourier components (the visibilities), which are sensitive to the presence of the sharp edge at the lower boundary of the occulted source. We have found a suitable flare event for analysis, SOL2011-10-20T03:25 (M1.7), and report a first result from this novel technique here. Using a four-minute integration over the 3–25 keV photon energy range, we find R X ‐ ray = 960.11 ± 0.15 ± 0.29 arcsec, at 1 au, where the uncertainties include statistical uncertainties from the method and a systematic error. The standard VAL-C model predicts a value of 959.94 arcsec, which is about 1σ below our value.

Hybrid simulations of chromospheric HXR flare sources

AbstractRecent measurements of vertical extents and positions of the chromospheric hard X‐ray (HXR) flare sources based on Ramaty High‐Energy Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) observations show a significant inconsistency with the theoretical predictions based on the standard collisional thick target model (CTTM). Using the hybrid flare code Flarix, we model simultaneously and self‐consistently the propagation, scattering and energy losses of electron beams with power‐law energy spectra and various initial pitch‐angle distributions in a purely collisional approximation and concurrently the dynamic response of the heated chromosphere on timescales typical for RHESSI image reconstruction. The results of the simulations are used to model the time evolution of the vertical distribution of chromospheric HXR source within a singular (compact) loop. Adopting the typical RHESSI imaging times scales, energy dependent vertical sizes and positions as could be observed by RHESSI are presented. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

THE HEIGHT OF A WHITE-LIGHT FLARE AND ITS HARD X-RAY SOURCES

We describe observations of a white-light flare (SOL2011-02-24T07:35:00, M3.5) close to the limb of the Sun, from which we obtain estimates of the heights of the optical continuum sources and those of the associated hard X-ray sources.For this purpose we use hard X-ray images from the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI), and optical images at 6173 \AA from the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). We find that the centroids of the impulsive-phase emissions in white light and hard X-rays (30-80 keV) match closely in central distance (angular displacement from Sun center), within uncertainties of order 0.2". This directly implies a common source height for these radiations, strengthening the connection between visible flare continuum formation and the accelerated electrons. We also estimate the absolute heights of these emissions, as vertical distances from Sun center. Such a direct estimation has not been done previously, to our knowledge. Using a simultaneous 195 \AA image from the Solar-Terrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO-B) spacecraft to identify the heliographic coordinates of the flare footpoints, we determine mean heights above the photosphere (as normally defined; \tau = 1 at 5000 \AA) of 305 \pm 170 km and 195 \pm 70 km, respectively, for the centroids of the hard X-ray (HXR) and white light (WL) footpoint sources of the flare. These heights are unexpectedly low in the atmosphere, and are consistent with the expected locations of \tau = 1 for the 6173 \AA and the ~40 keV photons observed, respectively.

Hard X-ray emission from a flare-related jet

Aims. We aim to understand the physical conditions in a jet event which occurred on the 22nd of August 2002, paying particular attention to evidence for non-thermal electrons in the jet material. Methods. We investigate the flare impulsive phase using multiwavelength observations from the Transition Region and Coronal Explorer (TRACE) and the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) satellite missions, and the ground-based Nobeyama Radioheliograph (NoRH) and Radio Polarimeters (NoRP). Results. We report what we believe to be the first observation of hard X-ray emission formed in a coronal jet. We present radio observations which confirm the presence of non-thermal electrons present in the jet at this time. The evolution of the event is best compared with the magnetic reconnection jet model in which emerging magnetic field interacts with the pre-existing coronal field. We calculate an apparent jet velocity of ~500 km s -1 which is consistent with model predictions for jet material accelerated by the $\vec{J}\times\vec{B}$ force resulting in a jet velocity of the order of the Alfven speed (~100–1000 km s -1 ).

Response to Comment on “A Large Excess in Apparent Solar Oblateness Due to Surface Magnetism”

Our analysis of satellite data from the Reuven Ramaty High-Energy Spectroscopic Imager revealed a strong correlation with a magnetic proxy, leading to an anomalous increase of the solar oblateness. We modeled this effect to yield an oblateness measurement of an assumed underlying nonmagnetic Sun. Kuhn et al . note that this measurement could be confused with a systematic spatial brightness variation. The existing data on this are ambiguous.

Magnetic flux cancellation associated with a recurring solar jet observed withHinode,RHESSI, andSTEREO/EUVI

Aims. We study the physical properties of a recurring solar active region jet observed in X-rays and extreme-ultraviolet (EUV).Methods. Multi-wavelength data from all three instruments on board Hinode were analysed. X-ray imaging and spectroscopy of the microflaring emission associated with the jets was performed with the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI ). Associated EUV jets were observed with the Sun Earth Connection Coronal and Heliospheric Investigation (SECCHI)/Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUVI) on board STEREO .Results. We found a correlation between recurring magnetic flux cancellation close to a pore, the X-ray jet emission, and associated Ca II H ribbon brightenings. We estimated the lower limit for the decrease in magnetic energy associated with the X-ray jet emission at 3 1029 erg. The recurring plasma ejection was observed simultaneously at EUV and X-ray temperatures, associated with type III radio bursts and microflaring activity at the jet footpoint.Conclusions. The recurring jet (EUV and X-ray) emissions can be attributed to chromospheric evaporation flows due to recurring coronal magnetic reconnection. In this process, the estimated minimum loss in the magnetic energy is sufficient to account for the total energy required to launch the jet.

Coronal γ-Ray Bremsstrahlung from Solar Flare-accelerated Electrons

The Reuven Ramaty High Energy Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) provides for the first time imaging spectroscopy of solar flares up to the γ-ray range. The three RHESSI flares with best counting statistics are analyzed in the 200-800 keV range revealing γ-ray emission produced by electron bremsstrahlung from footpoints of flare loops, but also from the corona. Footpoint emission dominates during the γ-ray peak, but as the γ-ray emission decreases the coronal source becomes more and more prominent. Furthermore, the coronal source shows a much harder spectrum (with power-law indices γ between 1.5 and 2) than the footpoints (with γ between 3 and 4). These observations suggest that flare-accelerated high-energy (~MeV) electrons stay long enough in the corona to lose their energy by collisions producing γ-ray emission, while lower energetic electrons precipitate more rapidly to the footpoints.

The Evaporation Regime in a Confined Flare

We studied the evolution of a small eruptive flare (GOES class C1) from its onset phase using multi-wavelength observations that sample the flare atmosphere from the chromosphere to the corona. The main instruments involved were the Coronal Diagnostic Spectrometer (CDS) aboard SOHO and facilities at the Dunn Solar Tower of the National Solar Observatory/Sacramento Peak. Transition Region and Coronal Explorer (TRACE) together with Ramaty High-Energy Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) also provided images and spectra for this flare. Hα and TRACE images display two loop systems that outline the pre-reconnection and post-reconnection magnetic field lines and their topological changes revealing that we are dealing with an eruptive confined flare. RHESSI data do not record any detectable emission at energies ≥25 keV, and the observed count spectrum can be well fitted with a thermal plus a non-thermal model of the photon spectrum. A non-thermal electron flux F ≈ 5 × 1010 erg cm−2 s−1 is determined. The reconstructed images show a very compact source whose peak emission moves along the photospheric magnetic inversion line during the flare. This is probably related to the motion of the reconnection site, hinting at an arcade of small loops that brightens successively. The analysis of the chromospheric spectra (Ca II K, He I D3 and Hγ, acquired with a four-second temporal cadence) shows the presence of a downward velocity (between 10 and 20 km s−1) in a small region intersected by the spectrograph slit. The region is included in an area that, at the time of the maximum X-ray emission, shows upward motions at transition region (TR) and coronal levels. For the He I 58.4 and O v 62.97 lines, we determine a velocity of ≈−40 km s−1 while for the Fe XIX 59.22 line a velocity of ≈−80 km s−1 is determined with a two-component fitting. The observations are discussed in the framework of available hydrodynamic simulations and they are consistent with the scenario outlined by Fisher (1989). No explosive evaporation is expected for a non-thermal electron beam of the observed characteristics, and no gentle evaporation is allowed without upward chromospheric motion. It is suggested that the energy of non-thermal electrons can be dissipated to heat the high-density plasma, where possibly the reconnection occurs. The consequent conductive flux drives the evaporation process in a regime that we can call sub-explosive.

X-Ray Polarization of Solar Flares Measured with Rhessi

The degree of linear polarization in solar flares has not yet been precisely determined despite multiple attempts to measure it with different missions. The high energy range, in particular, has very rarely been explored, due to its greater instrumental difficulties. We approached the subject using the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) satellite to study six X-class and 1 M-class flares in the energy range between 100 and 350 keV. Using RHESSI as a polarimeter requires the application of strict cuts to the event list in order to extract those photons that are Compton scattered between two detectors. Our measurements show polarization values between 2 and 54%, with errors ranging from 10 to 26% in 1σ level. In view of the large uncertainties in both the magnitude and direction of the polarization vector, the results can only reject source models with extreme properties.

Rhessi Images and Spectra of Two Small Flares

We studied the evolution of two small flares (GOES class C2 and C1) that developed in the same active region with different morphological characteristics: one is extended and the other is compact. We analyzed the accuracy and the consistency of different algorithms implemented in Reuven Ramaty High-Energy Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) software to reconstruct the image of the emitting sources, for energies between 3 and 12 keV. We found that all tested algorithms give consistent results for the peak position, while the other parameters can differ at most by a factor 2. Pixon and Forward-fit generally converge to similar results but Pixon is more reliable for reconstructing a complex source. We investigated the spectral characteristics of the two flares during their evolution in the 3–25 keV energy band. We found that a single thermal model of the photon spectrum is inadequate to fit the observations and we needed to add either a non-thermal model or a hot thermal one. The non-thermal and the double thermal fits are comparable. If we assume a non-thermal model, the non-thermal energy is always higher than the thermal one. Only during the very final decay phase a single thermal model fits the observed spectrum fairly well.

Nobeyama Radioheliograph andRHESSIObservations of the X1.5 Flare of 2002 April 21

We present an overview of the radio observations of the X1.5 flare of 2002 April 21 and complementary data from other wavelengths. This flare was fairly well observed by the Ramaty High Energy Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) spacecraft and fully observed by the Nobeyama Radioheliograph (NoRH) at 17 and 34 GHz. This long-duration event lasted more than 2 hr and featured a beautiful arcade of rising loops on the limb visible at X-ray, EUV, and radio wavelengths. The main flare was preceded by a small event 90 minutes earlier showing a long EUV loop connecting well-separated radio and hard X-ray sources. The main flare itself starts with a compact radio and hard X-ray source at the eastern end of the region that develops into emission close to the solar surface (and well inside the solar limb) over a large region to the northwest. As the flare proceeds, a large set of loops is seen to rise well above the solar limb. Distinct regions of radio emission with very different time behavior can be identified in the radio images, and, in particular, a peculiar nonthermal source seen in radio and hard X-rays low in the corona at the base of the arcade is seen to turn on 30 minutes after the start of the impulsive phase. At about the same time, an extremely intense burst of coherent radio emission is seen from 500 to 2000 MHz; we speculate that this lower-frequency burst is produced by electrons that are accelerated in the nonthermal source at the base of the arcade and injected into the loop system where they radiate plasma emission in the 1010 cm-3 density plasma at the top of the arcade of loops. This event is striking as a demonstration of the many ways in which a flare can produce radio emission, and the combined data at different wavelengths reveal a diversity of energy release and nonthermal acceleration sites.

Use of RHESSI observations to determine the origin and fate of non-thermal flare electrons

Most analyses of the characteristics of hard X-ray emission from solar flares have relied on observations of the spectral, temporal and spatial intensity distribution obtained by different instruments and, in the majority of cases, different events. The Reuven Ramaty High Energy Spectroscopic Imager gives us the possibility of combining all three fundamental parameters in a single set of observations from the same instrument. In this paper, we describe a method to compute the distribution of hard X-ray emission in flare loops, which can be used to determine the characteristics of electron energization, transport and thermalization during short lived impulsive peaks.