Kontar, E.P. and Brown, J.C. (2006) Stereoscopic electron spectroscopy of solar hard x-ray flares with a single spacecraft. Astrophysical Journal Letters, 653(2), L149-L152. (doi: 10.1086/510586)
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Abstract
Hard X-ray (HXR) spectroscopy is the most direct method of diagnosing energetic electrons in solar flares. Here we present a technique that allows us to use a single HXR spectrum to determine an effectively stereoscopic electron energy distribution. Considering the Sun's surface to act as a "Compton mirror" allows us to look at emitting electrons also from behind the source, providing vital information on downward-propagating particles. Using this technique we determine simultaneously the electron spectra of downward- and upward-directed electrons for two solar flares observed by the Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI). The results reveal surprisingly near-isotropic electron distributions, which contrast strongly with the expectations from the standard model that invokes strong downward beaming, including a collisional thick-target model.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Kontar, Professor Eduard and Brown, Professor John |
| Authors: | Kontar, E.P., and Brown, J.C. |
| Subjects: | Q Science > QB Astronomy |
| College/School: | College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy |
| Journal Name: | Astrophysical Journal Letters |
| ISSN: | 2041-8205 |
| ISSN (Online): | 2041-8213 |
| Published Online: | 04 December 2006 |
| Related URLs: |
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