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Are solar flares a result of a sudden conversion of magnetic energy stored prior to their onset?

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Abstract

It has long been believed that solar flares result from a sudden conversion of magnetic energy stored prior to their onset. However, it is difficult to prove such an idea without knowing both the rate of energy input and the rate of energy output in the flare region. In spite of the fact that a similar mechanism has long been contemplated, magnetospheric substorms are found to be directly driven by an enhanced dynamo process. The results suggest also that the presence of magnetic energy in the magnetotail does not mean that it can be consumed for substorms. Implications of this finding for solar flares are discussed.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, 99701, Fairbanks, Ala., U.S.A.

    S. I. Akasofu

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  1. S. I. Akasofu
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Akasofu, S.I. Are solar flares a result of a sudden conversion of magnetic energy stored prior to their onset?. Sol Phys 71, 107–113 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00153610

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00153610

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