Very Large Array observations of the sun with related observations using the SMM (Solar Maximum Mission) satellite. Final technical report, 1 January 1983-31 August 1988

Technical Report · Wed Oct 12 04:00:00 EDT 1988

OSTI ID:6321923

Lang, K R

Observations of solar-active regions with the VLA have led to new information about the origin and prediction of explosive bursts, or solar flares, that can directly interfere with high-flying aircraft or disrupt communications with them. It is shown that energetic particles and radiation are expelled during explosive bursts from coronal loops. Several new insights to these exploding loops are provided using the VLA together with supporting observations with the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) satellite and the Nancay Radioheliograph(NR). The VLA uniquely provides spatial resolution at radio wavelengths, while the SMM gives x-ray data and the NR provides resolution in time and frequency. All three instruments were used to study the quiescent, or non-flaring emission from coronal loops, radio bursts from coronal loops, and radio bursts from nearby stars. The ubiquitous coronal loops dominate the structure of the solar corona. Multiple wavelength VLA observations specify the three-dimensional structure of solar-active regions; they uniquely specify the strength, evolution and structure of the magnetic fields in coronal loops, while also providing constraints on the density and temperature of the energetic plasma trapped within them. Thermal cyclotron lines provide a sensitive measurement of the coronal magnetic field, while comparisons with simultaneous SMM x-ray observations delineate the various radiation mechanisms.

• Research Organization: Tufts Univ., Medford, MA (USA). Dept. of Physics and Astronomy
• OSTI ID: 6321923
• Report Number(s): AD-A-203873/5/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102 -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
640104* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Solar Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ANTENNAS
ATMOSPHERES
DENSITY
DISTRIBUTION
DOCUMENT TYPES
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EMISSION
EQUIPMENT
EXPLOSIONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAIN SEQUENCE STARS
PARTICLES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PROGRESS REPORT
RADIATIONS
RADIO EQUIPMENT
RADIO TELESCOPES
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
RESOLUTION
SENSITIVITY
SOLAR ACTIVITY
SOLAR CORONA
SOLAR FLARES
SOLAR RADIATION
SOLAR RADIO BURSTS
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
STARS
STELLAR ATMOSPHERES
STELLAR CORONAE
STELLAR RADIATION
SUN
TELESCOPES