Abstract
We consider two aspects of solar flares from the point of view of circuit theory. First, we show that the so-called “dynamo models”, which invoke an analogy between the Earth's magnetosphere-ionosphere circuit and the solar corona-photosphere circuit, are illfounded. Second, we consider the rate of coronal energy release in the impulsive phase of a modest flare, and show that, if the energy going into mass motion can be neglected, the corona must present a resistance of about 10−3 μ. Classical resistivity, even in a highly filamented circuit, cannot provide so high a resistance. Anomalous resistivity due to ion sound turbulence can provide the required resistance in this case, but is insufficient to explain the very high power levels inferred in some fast spikes.
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Melrose, D.B., McClymont, A.N. The resistances of the photosphere and of a flaring coronal loop. Sol Phys 113, 241–248 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00147704
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00147704