Heating and cooling in a solar flare

Advisor: Dana Longcope

A solar flare is a sudden conversion of energy from magnetic energy into other forms. As a result of the conversion, high-temperature coronal plasma is heated and evaporated, it then cools as it radiates X-rays. Observations of flares appear to corroborate this picture: there is always a sudden rise in X-ray intensity (evaporation) followed by a gradual decrease (cooling). Applying physical principles shows, however, that the cooling phase lasts far longer than the time it should take to radiate away the initial energy. This leads to the conclusion that energy is being continually released during the life of a flare.

The student will assemble a collection of X-ray observations and use them to infer the energy-input profile. A newly developed model for energization will be used to interpret this data. The student should have experience working with computers. Previous knowledge of IDL is desirable, but not required.

For background on this project from last summer's REU program, see Theresa Carranza-Fulmer's 2009 REU Research Log and Presentation.