Evidence for the Flare Trigger Site and Three-Dimensional Reconnection in Multiwavelength Observations of a Solar Flare

Fletcher, L., Metcalf, T.R., Alexander, D., Brown, D.S. and Ryder, L.A., 2001, Evidence for the flare trigger site and 3D reconnection in multi-wavelength observations of a solar flare, Astrophysical Journal, 554, 451-463.

Based on a multiwavelength data set and a topological model for the magnetic field, we argue that a M1.9 flare which occurred on 1993 May shows evidence of three-dimensional coronal reconnection in a spine-fan configuration. Images from the Transition Region and Coronal Explorer allow the detailed examination of the structures involved in the flare and preflare in the 171 ? (1 MK) EUV passband and the Ly? (10,000?20,000 K) passband. Yohkoh Hard X-ray Telescope maps the position of nonthermal electron precipitation and the Soft X-ray Telescope reveals preflare and flare heating on large and small scales. While the flare appears to be driven by changes in small-scale field close to the photosphere, near the interface between strong opposite magnetic polarities, the result is the disruption of large-scale field. We demonstrate how this observed activity on large and small scales, along with many other aspects of the flare, suggests a qualitative explanation in the three-dimensional reconfiguration of coronal magnetic field, following a small-scale flux cancellation at the photosphere.

Peer reviewed