White-light Observations Research Articles

A Detailed Analysis of a Magnetic Island Observed by WISPR on Parker Solar Probe

We present the identification and physical analysis of a possible magnetic island feature seen in white-light images observed by the Wide-field Imager for Solar Probe (WISPR) on board the Parker Solar Probe. The island is imaged by WISPR during Parker's second solar encounter on 2019 April 6, when Parker was ∼38 R ⊙ from the Sun's center. We report that the average velocity and acceleration of the feature are approximately 334 km s−1 and −0.64 m s−2. The kinematics of the island feature, coupled with its direction of propagation, indicate that the island is likely entrained in the slow solar wind. The island is elliptical in shape with a density deficit in its center, suggesting the presence of a magnetic guide field. We argue that this feature is consistent with the formation of this island via reconnection in the current sheet of the streamer. The feature's aspect ratio (calculated as the ratio of its minor to major axis) evolves from an elliptical to a more circular shape that approximately doubles during its propagation through WISPR’s field of view. The island is not distinct in other white-light observations from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory and the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory coronagraphs, suggesting that this is a comparatively faint heliospheric feature and that viewing perspective and WISPR’s enhanced sensitivity are key to observing the magnetic island.

Interplanetary Type IV Solar Radio Bursts: A Comprehensive Catalog and Statistical Results

Decameter hectometric (DH; 1–14 MHz) type IV radio bursts are produced by flare-accelerated electrons trapped in postflare loops or the moving magnetic structures associated with the coronal mass ejections (CMEs). From a space weather perspective, it is important to systematically compile these bursts, explore their spectrotemporal characteristics, and study the associated CMEs. We present a comprehensive catalog of DH type IV bursts observed by the Radio and Plasma Wave Investigation instruments on board the Wind and Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory spacecraft covering the period of white-light CME observations by the Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph on board the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory mission between 1996 November and 2023 May. The catalog has 139 bursts, of which 73% are associated with a fast (>900 km s−1) and wide (>60°) CME, with a mean CME speed of 1301 km s−1. All DH type IV bursts are white-light CME-associated, with 78% of the events associated with halo CMEs. The CME source latitudes are within ±45°. Seventy-seven events had multiple-vantage-point observations from different spacecraft, letting us explore the impact of the line of sight on the dynamic spectra. For 48 of the 77 events, there were good data from at least two spacecraft. We find that, unless occulted by nearby plasma structures, a type IV burst is best viewed when observed within a ±60° line of sight. Also, bursts with a duration above 120 minutes have source longitudes within ±60°. Our inferences confirm the inherent directivity in the type IV emission. Additionally, the catalog forms a Sun-as-a-star DH type IV burst database.

Radio Signature of the Strong Compression between a Streamer and a Coronal Hole Boundary

We present evidence of the first detection of the radio signature at metric wavelengths of the strong compression between a helmet streamer (HS) and the boundary of a coronal hole (CH) using radio observations from the Callisto MEXICO-LANCE and ALASKA-HAARP systems and white-light observations obtained by the STEREO-A/COR1-COR2 coronagraphs. The event occurred very close to the Sun (∼3.4 solar radii) and produced an intense and unusually broad drifting radio feature at metric wavelengths after a downward-drifting band of emission related to a metric Type II radio burst. The compression is caused by the interaction between an expanding structure (coronal mass ejection/shock) and the HS against the CH boundary. Observations in white light show a sharp compressive feature that propagates radially outward, while STEREO-A/EUVI images show loop oscillations at the same position angle, indicating that the interaction occurs across a range of heights. The loop oscillations cease when the compressive front loses its sharp boundary. This transition indicates a reduction of the density compression at the front and the cessation of the radio emission.

Probe-guided endoscopic system for 5-aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic diagnosis in cholangiocarcinoma

Background and AimThe diagnostic accuracy for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is inadequate, necessitating the exploration of novel diagnostic approaches. Protoporphyrin IX (Pp IX), a metabolic product of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), emits red fluorescence upon blue light exposure. Because it accumulates selectively in cancer cells, photodynamic diagnosis using 5-ALA (5-ALA-PDD) has been integrated into clinical practice for diverse cancer types. Nevertheless, there is currently no device capable of capturing Pp IX-derived fluorescence for real-time 5-ALA-PDD within the biliary tract, largely due to challenges in device miniaturization. MethodsTo investigate the feasibility of real-time 5ALA-PDD in CCA, we developed two essential components of the cholangioscopy system: a small-diameter flexible camera and a light guide for emitting blue light. We evaluated the detectability of Pp IX fluorescence using these devices in experimental gels and animal models. ResultsOur camera and light guide were smoothly inserted into the lumen of existing cholangioscopes. Incorporating a long-pass filter at the camera tip enabled efficient detection of red fluorescence without significantly impacting white-light observation. The integration of these devices facilitated clear visualization of red fluorescence from gels containing Pp IX at concentrations of 5 μM or higher. Additionally, when observing subcutaneous human CCA tumor models in nude mice treated with 5-ALA, we successfully demonstrated distinct red fluorescence from Pp IX accumulation in tumors compared to peritumoral subcutaneous areas. ConclusionThe integration of our device combination holds promise for real-time 5-ALA-PDD in human CCA, potentially enhancing the diagnostic accuracy for this complex condition.

CMEs evolve in the interplanetary medium to double their predicted geo-effectiveness

Context. We explore the impact of interactions between coronal mass ejections (CMEs) – known as CME–CME interactions – on Earth using remote-sensing and in situ observations and estimate the amplification of the geo-effectiveness of the individual CMEs by a factor of ∼2 due to CME–CME interactions. Aims. We present 3D reconstructions of interacting CMEs, which provide essential information on the orientation and interaction of the events. Additionally, we analysed coronal evolution of CMEs and their in situ characteristics at 1 AU to explore the impact of interactions between CMEs on their geo-effectiveness. Methods. We analysed CME interaction using white light data from LASCO and STEREO COR-A. The reported CMEs were reconstructed using the gradual cylindrical shell (GCS) model and simulated self-consistently with the physics-based 3D MHD model EUHFORIA (EUropean Heliosphere FORecasting Information Asset). By running different simulations, we estimated the geo-effectiveness of both individual and interacting CMEs using an empirical relationship method for the disturbance storm index. Results. The SOHO/LASCO spacecraft observed three CMEs erupting from the Sun within an interval of 10 h during a very active period in early November 2021. There were two partial halo CMEs that occurred on 1 Nov. 2021 at 19:00 UT and 22:00 UT, respectively, from the active region 12887 (S28W58), and a third halo CME occurred from AR 12891 (N17E03) on 2 Nov. 2021 at 02:48 UT. By combining remote observations close to the Sun, in situ data at 1 AU, and further numerical analyses of each individual CME, we are able to identify the initial and interplanetary evolution of the CMEs. Conclusions. (i) White light observations and a 3D reconstruction of the CMEs show cannibalism by CME-2 on CME-1 and a flank interaction of CME-3 with the merged CME-1 and CME-2 at 45–50 Rs. (ii) Interacting CMEs exhibit an increase in geo-effectiveness compared to an individual CME.

First Direct Imaging of a Kelvin–Helmholtz Instability by PSP/WISPR

We present a comprehensive analysis aimed at proving the hypothesis that a train of small-scale features observed by the Wide-field Imager (WISPR) onboard the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) are the signature of a Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (KHI). These features were seen near the flank of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) wake between 7.5 R ⊙ and 9.5 R ⊙, lasting for about 30 minutes. The CME was a slow event, associated with a streamer blowout. We analyzed the size of the eddies and found growth during their evolution while maintaining separation distances and alignment typical of Kelvin–Helmholtz vortexes. We then assessed the magnetic field conditions that would make the observation of such an instability plausible. Two methods were used to cross-check our findings. The measured thickness of the boundary layer supports KHI candidacy, and the estimated linear growth rate suggests nonlinear saturation within the expected timescale. We conclude that a KHI is a plausible explanation for the observed features, and therefore that such instabilities might exist in the low and middle solar corona (within ∼15 R ⊙) and can be detected in white light observations. Their observation, however, might be rare due to stringent conditions like the observer’s proximity, suitable viewing circumstances, magnetic field topology, and flow properties. This study highlights the unique capability of PSP/WISPR in observing such phenomena, especially as PSP perihelia reach closer distances to the Sun.

Connecting remote and in situ observations of shock-accelerated electrons associated with a coronal mass ejection

Context. One of the most prominent sources for energetic particles in our Solar System are huge eruptions of magnetised plasma from the Sun, known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which usually drive shocks that accelerate charged particles up to relativistic energies. In particular, energetic electron beams can generate radio bursts through the plasma emission mechanism, for example, type II and accompanying herringbone bursts. Aims. In this work, we investigate the acceleration location, escape, and propagation directions of various electron beams in the solar corona and compare them to the arrival of electrons at spacecraft. Methods. To track energetic electron beams, we used a synthesis of remote and direct observations combined with coronal modeling. Remote observations include ground-based radio observations from the Nançay Radioheliograph (NRH) combined with space-based extreme-ultraviolet and white-light observations from Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO), and Solar Orbiter (SolO). We also used direct observations of energetic electrons from the STEREO and Wind spacecraft. These observations were then combined with a three-dimensional (3D) representation of the electron acceleration locations, including the results of magneto-hydrodynamic models of the solar corona. This representation was subsequently used to investigate the origin of electrons observed remotely at the Sun and their link to in situ electrons. Results. We observed a type II radio burst followed by herringbone bursts that show single-frequency movement through time in NRH images. The movement of the type II burst and herringbone radio sources seems to be influenced by regions in the corona where the CME is more capable of driving a shock. We found two clear distinct regions where electrons are accelerated in the low corona and we found spectral differences between the radio emission generated in these regions. We also found similar inferred injection times of near-relativistic electrons at spacecraft to the emission time of the type II and herringbone bursts. However, only the herringbone bursts propagate in a direction where the shock encounters open magnetic field lines that are likely to be magnetically connected to the same spacecraft. Conclusions. Our results indicate that if the in situ electrons are indeed shock-accelerated, the most likely origin of the in situ electrons arriving first is located near the acceleration site of herringbone electrons. This is the only region during the early evolution of the shock where there is clear evidence of electron acceleration and an intersection of the shock with open field lines, which can be directly connected to the observing spacecraft.

The spheroid CME model in EUHFORIA

Predictions of coronal mass ejection (CME) propagation and impact in the heliosphere, in either research or operational settings, are usually performed by employing magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) models. Within such simulations, the CME ejecta is often described as a hydrodynamic pulse that lacks an internal magnetic field and is characterized by a spherical geometry – leading to the so-called cone CME model. White-light observations of CMEs in the corona, however, reveal that the morphology of these structures resembles more closely that of a croissant, i.e., exhibiting an elongated cross-section of their front. It follows that, in space weather forecasts, the assumption of a spherical geometry may result in erroneous predictions of CME impacts in the heliosphere in terms of hit/miss and arrival time/speed, especially in the case of flank encounters. A spheroid CME model is expected to provide a more accurate description of the elongated morphology that is often observed in CMEs. In this paper, we describe the implementation and initial validation of the spheroid CME model within the MHD EUropean Heliospheric FORecasting Information Asset (EUHFORIA) code. We perform EUHFORIA simulations of an idealized CME as well as a “real” event to compare the spheroidal model with the traditional cone one. We show how the initial ejecta geometry can lead to substantially different estimates in terms of CME impact, arrival time/speed, and geoeffectiveness, especially with increasing distance to the CME nose.

SunSCC: Segmenting, Grouping and Classifying Sunspots From Ground‐Based Observations Using Deep Learning

AbstractWe propose a fully automated system to detect, aggregate, and classify sunspot groups according to the McIntosh scheme using ground‐based white light (WL) observations from the USET facility located at the Royal Observatory of Belgium. The sunspot detection uses a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), trained from segmentation maps obtained with an unsupervised method based on mathematical morphology and image thresholding. Given the sunspot mask, a mean‐shift algorithm is used to aggregate individual sunspots into sunspot groups. This algorithm accounts for the area of each sunspot as well as for prior knowledge regarding the shape of sunspot group. A sunspot group, defined by its bounding box and location on the Sun, is finally fed into a CNN multitask classifier. The latter predicts the three components Z, p, and c in the McIntosh classification scheme. The tasks are organized hierarchically to mimic the dependency of the second (p) and third (c) components on the first (Z). The resulting CNN‐based segmentation is more accurate than classical unsupervised methods, with an enhancement up to 16% of F1 score in detection of the smallest sunspots, and it is robust to the presence of clouds. The automated clustering method was able to separate groups with an accuracy of 80%, when compared to hand‐made USET sunspot group catalog. The CNN‐based sunspot classifier shows comparable performances to methods using continuum as well as magnetogram images recorded by instruments on space mission. We also show that an ensemble of classifiers allows differentiating reliable and potentially incorrect predictions.

Exploring the impact of imaging cadence on inferring CME kinematics

The kinematics of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are crucial for understanding their initiation mechanism and predicting their impact on Earth and other planets. With most of the acceleration and deceleration occurring below 4 R⊙, capturing this phase is vital to better understand their initiation mechanism. Furthermore, the kinematics of CMEs in the inner corona (< 3 R⊙) are closely related to their propagation in the outer corona and their eventual impact on Earth. Since the kinematics of CMEs are mainly probed using coronagraph data, it is crucial to investigate the impact of imaging cadence on the precision of data analysis and the conclusions drawn from it and also for determining the flexibility of designing observational campaigns with upcoming coronagraphs. This study investigates the impact of imaging cadence on the kinematics of ten CMEs observed by the K-Coronagraph of the Mauna Loa Solar Observatory. We manually track the CMEs using high cadence (15 s) white-light observations of K-Cor and vary the cadence as 30 s, 1, 2, and 5 min to study the impact of cadence on the kinematics. We also employed the bootstrapping method to estimate the confidence interval of the fitting parameters. Our results indicate that the average velocity of the CMEs does not have a high dependence on the imaging cadence, while the average acceleration shows significant dependence on the same, with the confidence interval showing significant shifts for the average acceleration for different cadences. The impact of degraded cadence is also seen in the estimation of the time of onset of acceleration. We further find that it is difficult to find an optimum cadence to study all CMEs, as it is also influenced by the pixel resolution of the instrument and the speed of the CME. However, except for very slow CMEs (speeds less than 300 km−1), our results indicate a cadence of 1 min to be reasonable for the study of their kinematics. The results of this work will be important in the planning of observational campaigns for the existing and upcoming missions that will observe the inner corona.

Type II radio bursts and their association with coronal mass ejections in solar cycles 23 and 24

Context. Meter-wavelength type II solar radio bursts are thought to be the signatures of shock-accelerated electrons in the corona. Studying these bursts can give information about the initial kinematics, dynamics, and energetics of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in the absence of white-light observations. Aims. We investigate the occurrence of type II bursts in solar cycles 23 and 24 and their association with CMEs. We also explore whether type II bursts might occur in the absence of a CME. Methods. We performed a statistical analysis of type II bursts that occurred between 200 and 25 MHz in solar cycles 23 and 24 and determined the temporal association of these radio bursts with CMEs. We categorized the CMEs based on their linear speed and angular width and studied the distribution of type II bursts with fast (≥500 km s−1), slow (< 500 km s−1), wide (≥60°), and narrow (< 60°) CMEs. We explored the dependence of type II bursts occurrence on the phases of the solar cycle. Results. Our analysis shows that during solar cycles 23 and 24, 768 and 435 type II bursts occurred, respectively. Of these, 79% were associated with CMEs in solar cycle 23, and 95% were associated with CMEs in solar cycle 24. However, only 4% and 3% of the total number of CMEs were accompanied by type II bursts in solar cycle 23 and 24, respectively. Most of the type II bursts in both cycles were related to fast and wide CMEs (48%). We also determined the typical drift rate and duration for type II bursts, which is 0.06 MHz s−1 and 9 min. Our results suggest that type II bursts dominate at heights ≈1.7 − 2.3 ± 0.3 R⊙. A clear majority have an onset height around 1.7 ± 0.3 R⊙ assuming the four-fold Newkirk model. Conclusions. The results indicate that most of the type II bursts had a white-light CME counterpart, but a few type II bursts lacked a clear CME association. There were more CMEs in cycle 24 than in cycle 23. However, cycle 24 contained fewer type II radio bursts than cycle 23. The onset heights of type II bursts and their association with wide CMEs reported in this study indicate that the early lateral expansion of CMEs may play a key role in the generation of these radio bursts.

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.

Comparison between Target Sample Check Illuminator and White Light Observation in Discriminating the Presence of Target Specimen for Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Sample

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is an essential endoscopic tissue sampling method for diagnosing pancreatobiliary diseases; however, determining the presence of target specimens mixed in the blood by conventional observation is challenging due to the small size of the obtained sample. This study investigated the usefulness of a target sample check illuminator (TSCI) that emits a specific wavelength of light to determine the presence of target specimens. Twenty-seven patients who underwent EUS-FNA at our hospital were included. Conventional white light observation was performed for the collected samples, followed by TSCI; six people evaluated the presence of the target specimen on a 5-point scale. The target specimen discrimination score using TSCI (median: 5) was significantly higher than that using conventional white light observation (median: 1) (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in the discrimination score between the evaluator (novice vs. expert, p = 0.162) and puncture needle (22G vs. 25G, p = 0.196). The discriminability of TSCI in the samples obtained using EUS-FNA was significantly higher than that of conventional observation. TSCI does not depend on the evaluator or puncture needle for the identification of the target specimen; hence, it can provide a good pathological specimen and may contribute to the improvement of the diagnostic ability.

Assessment of the arrival signatures of the March 2012 CME–CME interaction event with respect to Mercury, Venus, Earth, STEREO-B, and Mars locations

In March 2012, favorable positions of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, and STEREO-B in the inner Solar System provided an opportunity to understand the global structure and the propagation of two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) across the inner Solar System. On 7 March 2012, the Sun ejected two very fast CMEs from the solar active region NOAA AR11489, which were accompanied by two X-class flares. Initialization and subsequent fast expansion from lower coronal heights of flux rope structures were detected as their early eruption signatures in Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) observations. White-light observations have been imaged using SOHO/LASCO and STEREO/SECCHI/COR2 and followed from 00:24 UT on 7 March 2012. We examined the kinematics of the reported CMEs and found a significant exchange of momentum and kinetic energy during the interaction, indicating that the collision was almost inelastic. Furthermore, we observed the arrival of this merged CME event at different distances in the inner Solar System and compared the arrival time with other models. The reported event arrived on Mercury at 04:30 UT; Venus, at 13:28 UT on 7 March 2012; and it took roughly 36 h to reach STEREO-B on 08 March, 03:36 UT. The arrivals at Mercury and Venus are observed in the magnetometer measurements onboard MESSENGER and Venus Express (VEx), respectively. A powerful interplanetary shock was observed on 08 March, 10:19 UT at Earth around 30 h after the two X-class flares and CMEs’ eruption. Subsequently, a south-directed interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) was observed on Earth, indicating the arrival of an interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME). This event caused the sudden storm commencement and development of one of the major intense geomagnetic storms of SC 24, with a minimum Dst value of −148 nT. The observations by the Mars Express (MEX) mission indicated the arrival of a merged CME ∼2.5 days after its initial observation at Sun. We have analyzed the evolution of these CMEs and their propagation in the inner heliosphere and arrival signatures at four planetary locations. The propagation and arrival signatures are compared to simulations using the WSA-ENLIL + Cone model and the drag-based model at various vantage points. The study showcases the importance of multi-vantage point observations in understanding the propagation of CMEs and their interactions.

HelioCast: heliospheric forecasting based on white-light observations of the solar corona

We present a new 3D magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) heliospheric model for space-weather forecasting driven by boundary conditions defined from white-light observations of the solar corona. The model is based on the MHD code PLUTO, constrained by an empirical derivation of the solar wind background properties at 0.1 au. This empirical method uses white-light observations to estimate the position of the heliospheric current sheet (HCS). The boundary conditions necessary to run HelioCast are then defined from pre-defined relations between the necessary MHD properties (speed, density, and temperature) and the distance to the current sheet. We assess the accuracy of the model over six Carrington rotations during the first semester of 2018. Using point-by-point metrics and event-based analyses, we evaluate the performances of our model varying the angular width of the slow solar wind layer surrounding the HCS. We also compare our empirical technique with two well-tested models of the corona: Multi-VP and WindPredict-AW. We find that our method is well-suited to reproduce high-speed streams, and does – for well-chosen parameters – better than full MHD models. The model shows, nonetheless, limitations that could worsen for rising and maximum solar activity.

Flows of Matter in the Solar Corona According to Observations in White Light

Flows of Matter in the Solar Corona According to Observations in White Light

Shock-accelerated electrons during the fast expansion of a coronal mass ejection

Context.Some of of the most prominent sources for energetic particles in our Solar System are huge eruptions of magnetised plasma from the Sun called coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which usually drive shocks that accelerate charged particles up to relativistic energies. In particular, energetic electron beams can generate radio bursts through the plasma emission mechanism. The main types of bursts associated with CME shocks are type II and herringbone bursts. However, it is currently unknown where early accelerated electrons that produce metric type II bursts and herringbones propagate and when they escape the solar atmosphere.Aims.Here, we investigate the acceleration location, escape, and propagation directions of electron beams during the early evolution of a strongly expanding CME-driven shock wave associated with herrinbgone bursts.Methods.We used ground-based radio observations from the Nançay Radioheliograph combined with space-based extreme-ultraviolet and white-light observations from the Solar Dynamics Observatory and and the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory. We produced a three-dimensional (3D) representation of the electron acceleration locations which, combined with results from magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) models of the solar corona, was used to investigate the origin of the herringbone bursts observed.Results.Multiple herringbone bursts are found close to the CME flank in plane-of-sky images. Some of these herringbone bursts have unusual inverted J shapes and opposite drifting herringbones also show opposite senses of circular polarisation. By using a 3D approach combined with the radio properties of the observed bursts, we find evidence that the first radio emission in the CME eruption most likely originates from electrons that initially propagate in regions of low Alfvén speeds and along closed magnetic field lines forming a coronal streamer. The radio emission appears to propagate in the same direction as a coronal wave in three dimensions.Conclusions.The CME appears to inevitably expand into a coronal streamer where it meets ideal conditions to generate a fast shock which, in turn, can accelerate electrons. However, at low coronal heights, the streamer consists of exclusively closed field lines indicating that the early accelerated electron beams do not escape. This is in contrast with electrons which, in later stages, escape the corona so that they are detected by spacecraft.

Extending optical flare models to the UV: results from comparing of TESS and GALEX flare observations for M Dwarfs

ABSTRACT The ultraviolet (UV) emission of stellar flares may have a pivotal role in the habitability of rocky exoplanets around low-mass stars. Previous studies have used white-light observations to calibrate empirical models which describe the optical and UV flare emission. However, the accuracy of the UV predictions of models has previously not been tested. We combined TESS optical and GALEX UV observations to test the UV predictions of empirical flare models calibrated using optical flare rates of M stars. We find that the canonical 9000-K black-body model used by flare studies underestimates the GALEX near-ultraviolet (NUV) energies of field age M stars by up to a factor of 6.5 ± 0.7 and the GALEX far-ultraviolet energies of fully convective field age M stars by 30.6 ± 10.0. We calculated energy correction factors that can be used to bring the UV predictions of flare models closer in line with observations. We calculated pseudo-continuum flare temperatures that describe both the white-light and GALEX NUV emission. We measured a temperature of 10 700 K for flares from fully convective M stars after accounting for the contribution from UV line emission. We also applied our correction factors to the results of previous studies of the role of flares in abiogenesis. Our results show that M stars do not need to be as active as previously thought in order to provide the NUV flux required for prebiotic chemistry, however, we note that flares will also provide more FUV flux than previously modelled.

The State of the White-Light Corona over the Minimum and Ascending Phases of Solar Cycle 25 – Comparison with Past Cycles

We report on the state of the corona over the minimum and ascending phases of Solar Cycle (SC) 25 on the basis of the temporal evolutions of its radiance and of the properties of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), as determined from white-light observations performed by the SOHO/LASCO-C2 coronagraph. These evolutions are further compared with those determined during the past two Solar Cycles using the same methods. The integrated radiance of the K-corona and the occurrence rate of CMEs closely track the indices/proxies of solar activity, prominently the total magnetic field for the radiance and the 10.7 cm radio flux for the CMEs, all undergoing a steep increase during the ascending phase of SC 25. This increase is much steeper than anticipated on the basis of the predicted quasi-similarity between SC 25 and SC 24, and is confirmed by the recent evolution of the sunspot number. The radiance reached the same base level during the minima of SC 24 and SC 25, but the latitudinal extent of the streamer belt differed, being flatter during the latter minimum and in fact more similar to that of the minimum of SC 23. Synchronizing the descending branches of SC 23 and SC 24 led to a duration of SC 24 of 11.0 years, similar to that given by the sunspot number. In contrast, the base level of the occurrence rate of CMEs during the minimum of SC 25 was significantly larger than during the two previous minima. The southern hemisphere is conspicuously more active than the northern, in agreement with several predictions and the current evolution of the hemispheric sunspot numbers. In particular, the occurrence rate of the subset of CMEs with known mass, their mass rate, and the number of CMEs with speeds larger than 350 km s−1 in the southern hemisphere exceeds by far the respective values in the northern hemisphere. The mean apparent width of CMEs and the number of halo CMEs remains at relatively large, constant levels throughout the early phase of SC 25, implying the persistence of weak total pressure in the heliosphere. These results, and particularly the perspective of a corona being more active than anticipated, are extremely promising for the forthcoming observations by both Solar Orbiter and Parker Solar Probe.

Generation of Solar Coronal White-light Images from SDO/AIA EUV Images by Deep Learning

Low coronal white-light observations are very important to understand low coronal features of the Sun, but they are rarely made. We generate Mauna Loa Solar Observatory (MLSO) K-coronagraph like white-light images from the Solar Dynamics Observatory/Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (SDO/AIA) EUV images using a deep learning model based on conditional generative adversarial networks. In this study, we used pairs of SDO/AIA EUV (171, 193, and 211 Å) images and their corresponding MLSO K-coronagraph images between 1.11 and 1.25 solar radii from 2014 to 2019 (January to September) to train the model. For this we made seven (three using single channels and four using multiple channels) deep learning models for image translation. We evaluate the models by comparing the pairs of target white-light images and those of corresponding artificial intelligence (AI)–generated ones in October and November. Our results from the study are summarized as follows. First, the multiple channel AIA 193 and 211 Å model is the best among the seven models in view of the correlation coefficient (CC = 0.938). Second, the major low coronal features like helmet streamers, pseudostreamers, and polar coronal holes are well identified in the AI-generated ones by this model. The positions and sizes of the polar coronal holes of the AI-generated images are very consistent with those of the target ones. Third, from AI-generated images we successfully identified a few interesting solar eruptions such as major coronal mass ejections and jets. We hope that our model provides us with complementary data to study the low coronal features in white light, especially for nonobservable cases (during nighttime, poor atmospheric conditions, and instrumental maintenance).