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High-resolution observations of Hα flare regions

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Abstract

This paper gives a review of the recent high-resolution Hα observations of solar flares and flare-productive active regions. From studies of the morphological and evolutional features of Hα flare emitting regions, two types of two-ribbon flares, which are termed separating two-ribbon flare and confined two-ribbon flare, are discussed. The former is characterized by conspicuous separating motions or expanding motions of the Hα two ribbons, whereas the latter shows only a short range of or no separating motions of the two ribbons. The explosive compact flares, which occur in some compact newly-emerging flux regions, are also discussed.

Attention is paid to the successive and impulsive brightenings of Hα flare points which form the Hα flare kernels and the front lines of Hα two ribbons at the impulsive phases of flares. Temporal relationships between Hα line intensities or profiles and hard X-ray or microwave emissions are discussed to discriminate the energy transport mechanisms in the flare loops.

Hα monochromatic image of high spatial resolution, at the present time, is the most sensitive detector for finding the first appearance of newly-emerging magnetic flux region and the developing features of sheared configuration of magnetic field, both of which are the key factors in flare energy build-up processes. It is suggested that the successive emergence of a twisted magnetic flux rope might be essential for the production of a major flare.

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  1. Hida Observatory, Kyoto University, Kamitakara, 506-13, Gifu, Japan

    Hiroki Kurokawa

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Contributions from the Kwasan and Hida Observatories, Kyoto University, No. 292.

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Kurokawa, H. High-resolution observations of Hα flare regions. Space Sci Rev 51, 49–84 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00226268

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00226268

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