Temporal and spatial distribution of the magnetic field and density of nonthermal electrons in the source of solar microwave bursts

The temporal and spatial distribution of the magnetic field and density of non-thermal electrons in the source of solar microwave bursts are studied by the gyrosynchrotron model, using the observations of the high-resolution spectrometer at the Owens Valley solar interferometer. The general results are consistent with the previous knowledge about these parameters. For example, the magnetic field decreases with increasing radio flux, and the distribution gradually flattens, so that the non-uniformity of the magnetic field decreases gradually, meanwhile the density increases, and the nonthermal electrons propagate from lower to higher levels. It is interesting that the oscillation of the density is detected at lower frequencies, and there is a correlation between the density and the energy index. The main purpose of this paper is to develop a diagnostic method for the basic plasma parameters in solar flares.     

Spectral Flattening During Solar Radio Bursts At Cm–mm Wavelengths and the Dynamics of Energetic Electrons in a Flare Loop

Until recently, most of the information on particle acceleration processes in solar flares has been obtained from hard X-ray and cm-microwave observations. As a rule they provide information on electrons with energies below 300 keV. During recent years it became possible to measure the gamma-ray and millimeter radio emission with improved sensitivities. These spectral ranges carry information on much higher energy electrons. We studied the temporal and spectral behaviour of the radio burst emission at centimeter-millimeter wavelengths (8–50 GHz) by using the data from the patrol instruments of IAP (Bern University). We have analyzed more than 20 impulsive and long duration radio bursts (of 10 s to several 100 s duration).The main finding of the data analysis is the presence of spectral flattening throughout the bursts, which occurs always during the decay phase of flux peaks, at frequencies well above the spectral peak frequency and independently of burst duration. Furthermore, for some of the bursts, the flux maxima at higher frequencies are delayed. These findings can serve as evidence of the hardening of the electron spectrum at energies above some hundreds of keV during the decay phase of cm–mm flux peaks. As a most likely reason for such a hardening we consider Coulomb collisions of energetic electrons continuously injected and trapped in a flaring loop.     

Simultaneous multi-frequency imaging observations of solar microwave bursts

We review the results of simultaneous two-frequency imaging observations of solar microwave bursts with the Very Large Array. Simultaneous 2 and 6 cm observations have been made of bursts which are optically thin at both frequencies, or optically thick at the lower frequency. In the latter case the source structure may differ at the two frequencies, but the two sources usually seem to be related. However, this is not always true of simultaneous 6 and 20 cm observations. The results have implications for the analysis of non-imaging radio data of solar and stellar flares.     

The outflow of solar wind from the active regions

The numerical integration of hydrodynamics equations with an allowance for thermal conductivity was made using the temperature distribution in the corona situated above the active regions obtained from the damping time of solar radio bursts of Types III and V. It is essential that for the integration path serve the magnetic field lines along which exciters of bursts are moving and accelerated coronal plasma can move freely too.The main result is the discovery of such regions, where the high temperature gradient precludes the possibility of a continuous flow of coronal plasma. These regions, where intense heating and rapid acceleration of the coronal plasma take place, were situated at distances of about 2 R from the Sun's center. They probably possess the character of weak detonation waves. The waves of cooling can also be present in these regions of discontinuity of the flow. The observations of bursts of Type V at distances up to 6.3 R gives some evidence that discontinuities of flow of the solar wind of the same nature can possibly arise also in the more remote parts of the solar corona.It is important that the similar jumps of velocity and other parameters of coronal plasma were also discovered earlier in a quite independent way as a result of the interpretation of the solar radio echo data. It can be anticipated that the nonthermal heating of coronal plasma, which was postulated to remove discrepancies between the existing models and observations of solar wind, was localized mainly in these regions thus playing an important role in the formation of the fundamental properties of the interplanetary medium.The obtained results are of preliminary character since there are no reliable and homogeneous data on bursts of Types III and V especially at 20-10 MHz, where the work is difficult due to the man-made interference and also at still lower frequencies, observed by the cosmic probes. We can hope that the filling of this gap allows us to construct a realistic model of outflow of coronal plasma from active regions, which can be successfully compared with the results of direct measurement of parameters of solar wind.     

Polarization features of type IV bursts

Using both the polarization records of our institute at seven different frequencies and polarization records from other stations, the spectral diagrams of some important type IV bursts are completed by polarization diagrams. Combining both types of diagrams and adding the results of optical observations and X-ray data it is possible to come to a deeper understanding of the processes taking place during strong solar radio bursts.     

Solar radio type III bursts and coronal density structures

The comparison of solar radio type III bursts measured at 169 MHz with K corona observations leads to the conclusion that about 75% of the active regions over which type III bursts occur are associated with low density coronal structures. The comparison with X-ray maps of the solar disk shows that all these regions are located in low intensity regions.It is concluded that the idea generally accepted that the type III bursts are associated with dense coronal structures and travel in these structures is not at all proven for a large number of cases.     

Recent advances in the long-wavelength radio physics of the Sun

Solar radio bursts at long wavelengths provide information on solar disturbances such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and shocks at the moment of their departure from the Sun. The radio bursts also provide information on the physical properties (density, temperature and magnetic field) of the medium that supports the propagation of the disturbances with a valuable cross-check from direct imaging of the quiet outer corona. The primary objective of this paper is to review some of the past results and highlight recent results obtained from long-wavelength observations. In particular, the discussion will focus on radio phenomena occurring in the outer corona and beyond in relation to those observed in white light. Radio emission from nonthermal electrons confined to closed and open magnetic structures and in large-scale shock fronts will be discussed with particular emphasis on its relevance to solar eruptions. Solar cycle variation of the occurrence rate of shock-related radio bursts will be discussed in comparison with that of interplanetary shocks and solar proton events. Finally, case studies describing the newly-discovered radio signatures of interacting CMEs will be presented.     

Spike observations in flares in China

Variations on short time-scales have been found in solar flares at different wavelengths. Millisecond scale radio spikes are a quickly developing area of solar radio astronomy. The solar radio astronomy group of Beijing Astronomical Observatory (BAO) has found fine structures of microwave bursts with millisecond time-scale at 2840 MHz. In this paper, we briefly summarize the observations. A joint-observation network for observing solar radio bursts with high time resolution has also been established. The equipment in the network covers a frequency domain of more than 10:1, including 1.3, 2.0, 6, 10, 15, 20 cm, and meter wavelengths. In particular, a multi-channel polarimeter with super-fast sampling (10 s) at 2600 MHz, an intensity interferometer with 1 ms sampling rate at 6 cm wavelength, and an auto-correlation radio spectrograph with 8 ms time constant at 21 cm wavelength are being established. We pay close attention to research on the spike emission features over wide bands, and their relationship to special characteristics in other spectral ranges.     

Combined Radio and Space-Based Solar Observations: From Techniques to New Results – Preface

The phenomena observed at the Sun have a variety of unique radio signatures that can be used to diagnose the processes in the solar atmosphere. The insights provided by radio observations are further enhanced when they are combined with observations from space-based telescopes. This Topical collection demonstrates the power of combination methodology at work and provides new results on i) type I solar radio bursts and thermal emission to study active regions; ii) type II and IV bursts to better understand the structure of coronal mass ejections; and iii) non-thermal gyro-synchrotron and/or type III bursts to improve the characterisation of particle acceleration in solar flares. The ongoing improvements in time, frequency, and spatial resolutions of ground-based telescopes reveal new levels in the complexity of solar phenomena and pose new questions.     

Harmonic components of decametric solar radio bursts

Type-IIIb, IIId, and III solar decametric radio bursts, being distinguished by the typical negative drift rate of their dynamic spectra, are compared. Observational data were obtained with a UTR-2 antenna during the period 1973–1982. During the analysis of the bursts of all these spectral varieties, the frequency drift time (drift delay) was measured in the ranges 25 to 12.5 MHz, 25 to 20 MHz, and 12.5 to 10 MHz. Durations of type-III bursts were determined at the harmonically-related frequencies of 25 and 12.5 MHz; radio source locations were also used.It is shown that these decametric bursts are distinctly divided into two groups: (1)type-IIIb chains of simple stria bursts and also normal type-III storm bursts observed at central regions constitute a group of events with a fast drifting spectrum; (2) type-III bursts from type-IIIb-III pairs and the limb variant of normal III bursts, as well as peculiar type-IIId chains of diffuse striae and related chains with an echo component, constitute a second group of events with comparatively slow drift rates.The first group of the phenomena is associated with the fundamental F frequency and the second one, with the harmonic H of the coronal plasma frequency. The results of the present investigation agree well with earlier conclusions on the harmonic origin of decametric chains and type-III bursts. Measurements of drift delays in narrow frequency ranges, an octave apart, as well as type-III burst durations at harmonically-related frequencies confirm the existence of both F and H components in the solar radiation. The essential result of 10 years of decametric observations is that the frequency drift rates and durations are rather stable parameters for the various type-III bursts and stria-burst chains. The stability characterizes some unspecified conditions of burst generation in the middle corona.     

Some statistical properties of surges

All surges observed at the Swedish Astrophysical Station in Anacapri from July 1, 1957 until December 31, 1967 have been studied statistically. In 1958 the Southern hemisphere was most active in producing surges, but thereafter the Northern hemisphere has dominated the activity with increasing rate. The average for the whole period shows that the Northern part of the sun has been twice as active as the Southern part. The latitude distribution for surges has varied with the solar cycle with a pattern similar to the butterfly diagram for sunspots. The polar surges were most frequent in the beginning of the new cycle. The importance distribution is also dependent of the solar cycle, as a higher percentage of surges of importance 1 are found during the solar minimum. Surges of higher importance tend to have longer durations, and they are more often associated with flares. The association rate between surges and radio emission is dependent on both the solar cycle and the importance of the surge. During years with high activity, more than 20% of all surges were followed within 5 min from their start by radio emission, compared to 4% during solar minimum. 17% of surges of importance 2 are closer related to radio emission, but only 10% of surges of importance 1. On the whole, 11% of the surges occurred almost simultaneously with radio bursts. Bursts in discrete frequencies were registered in connection with 8% of the surges, while 11% were followed within 5 min from their start by bursts in spectral observations. All these surges were isolated, i.e. no flares have been reported to occur during their lifetimes. This is also the case for the 18 surges covered by X-ray observations, three of which were closer related to X-ray bursts.     

Fine structure of large flare radioemission

Several recent phenomena with zebra patterns (ZPs) and fiber bursts on the dynamic spectra of solar type IV radio bursts have been complexly analyzed using all available ground-based and satellite data (SOHO, TRACE, RHESSI). ZPs and fiber bursts were observed at frequencies of 50–3800 MHz. The main relative spectral parameters and the degree of circular polarization of ZPs and fiber bursts are almost identical. The fine structure was observed in powerful and weak phenomena (and was more impressive in weak phenomena) during impulsive and decline phases at instants of recurring continuum bursts. The shape of the fine structure depends on that of the magnetic loops in a radio source, the type of fast particle acceleration (impulsive or prolonged), and the presence of shock waves and coronal mass ejections. Several new effects of the interaction between zebra stripes and fiber bursts have been detected. Specifically, up to 40 fiber bursts with different frequency ranges were simultaneously observed in the frequency range 1–2 GHz against a background of sudden absorptions. It has been indicated that different effects in the ZP stripe behavior can be explained within the scope of the model with whistlers, if the quasi-linear diffusion of fast particles on whistlers (which deforms the particle velocity distribution function) is taken into account.     

Quasi-periodic structure in solar microwave bursts

High sensitivity, high time resolution recordings of microwave radio bursts show a number of periodic and quasi-periodic bursts which exhibit intervals of the order of 10–20 s. Some of the bursts are accompanied by simultaneous pulsations of the same interval detected in X-rays, type III-m, and extreme ultraviolet emissions. Mechanisms to explain solar radio pulsations are reviewed to see which can explain or be extended to explain these observations.Supported by a company-financed research program of The Aerospace Corporation.     

Fast solar electrons,interplanetary plasma and km-wave type-III radio bursts observed from the IMP-6 spacecraft

IMP-6 spacecraft observations of low frequency radio emission, fast electrons, and solar wind plasma are used to examine the dynamics of the fast electron streams which generate solar type-III radio bursts. Of twenty solar electron events observed between April, 1971 and August, 1972, four were found to be amenable to detailed analysis. Observations of the direction of arrival of the radio emission at different frequencies were combined with the solar wind density and velocity measurements at 1 AU to define an Archimedean spiral trajectory for the radio burst exciter. The propagation characteristics of the exciter and of the fast electrons observed at 1 AU were then conpared. We find that: (1) the fast electrons excite the radio emission at the second harmonic; (2) the total distance travelled by the electrons was between 30 and 70% longer than the length of the smooth spiral defined by the radio observations; (3) this additional distance travelled is the result of scattering of the electrons in the interplanetary medium; (4) the observations are consistent with negligible true energy loss by the fast electrons.     

Fine structure in solar microwave bursts

We have designed and constructed a new multi-channel radio spectrograph for the study of short-lived structures in solar microwave bursts. It measured the integrated flux over the whole solar disc in two circular polarizations at 36 frequencies between 4 and 8 GHz, with a time constant of 0.5 ms. We have analyzed all 119 recorded bursts observed in 1981 and 1983. We focused our attention on events with a lifetime of less than 1 s. Fine structure occurs in about 30% of the observed bursts, and can be as rich in detail as in bursts observed at lower frequencies. We found at least four different classes of events. In one event neither bandwidth nor time resolution of the receiver appear to be sufficient to resolve the fine structure. The bulk of the drifts is found to be towards higher frequencies. Periodic flux variations were found in two cases.     

Quasiperiodic Jovian Radio bursts: observations from the Ulysses Radio and Plasma Wave Experiment

The Ulysses flyby of Jupiter has permitted the detection of a variety of quasiperiodic magnetospheric phenomena. In this paper, Unified Radio and Plasma Wave Experiment (URAP) observations of quasiperiodic radio bursts are presented. There appear to be two preferred periods of short-term variability in the Jovian magnetosphere, as indicated by two classes of bursts, one with 40 min periodicity, the other with 15 min periodicity. The URAP radio direction determination capability provides clear evidence that the 40 min bursts originate near the southern Jovian magnetic pole, whereas the source location of the 15 min bursts remains uncertain. These bursts may be the signatures of quasiperiodic electron acceleration in the Jovian magnetosphere; however, only the 40 min bursts occur in association with observed electron bursts of similar periodicity. Both classes of bursts show some evidence of solar wind control. In particular, the onset of enhanced 40 min burst activity is well correlated with the arrival of high-velocity solar wind streams at Jupiter, thereby providing a remote monitor of solar wind conditions at Jupiter.     

太阳米波和分米波Ⅱ型、Ⅲ型射电暴及其精细结构观测研究进展

太阳米波和分米波的射电观测是对太阳爆发过程中耀斑和日冕物质抛射现象研究的重要观测手段。米波和分米波的太阳射电暴以相干等离子体辐射为主导,表现出在时域和频域的多样性和复杂性。其中Ⅱ型射电暴是激波在日冕中运动引起电磁波辐射的结果。在Ⅱ型射电暴方面,首先对米波Ⅱ型射电暴的激波起源问题和米波Ⅱ型射电暴与行星际Ⅱ型射电暴的关系问题进行了讨论;其次,结合Lin-Forbes太阳爆发理论模型对Ⅱ型射电暴的开始时间和起始频率进行讨论:最后,对Ⅱ型射电暴信号中包含的两种射电精细结构,Herringbone结构(即鱼骨结构)和与激波相关的Ⅲ型射电暴也分别进行了讨论。Ⅲ型射电暴是高能电子束在日冕中运动产生电磁波辐射的结果。在Ⅲ型射电暴方面,首先介绍了利用Ⅲ型射电暴对日冕磁场位形和等离子体密度进行研究的具体方法;其次,对利用Ⅲ型射电暴测量日冕温度的最新理论进行介绍;最后,对Ⅲ型射电暴和Ⅱ型射电暴的时间关系、Ⅲ型射电暴和粒子加速以及Ⅲ型射电暴信号中包含的射电精细结构(例如斑马纹、纤维爆发及尖峰辐射)等问题进行讨论并介绍有关的最新研究进展。     

基于PSP观测的行星际Ⅲ型射电爆发的研究进展

与太阳射电爆发相比,通常认为频率较低的行星际射电爆发产生于远离低日冕的行星际空间.地球电离层的截止导致地基设备无法对其进行观测.美国国家航空航天局(National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA)发射的帕克太阳探测器(Parker Solar Probe, PSP)是迄今为止距离太阳最近的空间探测器.其搭载的射电频谱仪能够对10 k Hz–19.17 MHz频段范围内的射电辐射进行观测. PSP能够靠近甚至可能穿越行星际III型射电爆发的辐射源区,因此使用PSP对行星际射电爆发进行观测具有前所未有的优势.简要介绍了目前为止使用PSP的射电观测数据对行星际III型射电爆发的多方面研究,包括爆发的发生率、偏振、散射、截止频率、可能的辐射机制和相关的辐射源区等方面的研究进展,并讨论了其未来的研究前景.     

Unusual Zebra Patterns in the Decimeter Wave Band

An analysis of new observations showing fine structures consisting of narrowband fiber bursts as substructures of large-scale zebra-pattern stripes is carried out. We study four events using spectral observations taken with a newly built spectrometer located at the Huairou station, China, in the frequency range of 1.1 – 2.0 GHz with extremely high frequency and time resolutions (5 MHz and 1.25 ms). All the radio events were analyzed by using the available satellite data (SOHO LASCO, EIT, and MDI, TRACE, and RHESSI). Small-scale fibers always drift to lower frequencies. They may belong to a family of ropelike fibers and can also be regarded as fine structures of type III bursts and broadband pulsations. The radio emission was moderately or strongly polarized in the ordinary wave mode. In three main events fiber structure appeared as a forerunner of the entire event. All four events were small decimeter bursts. We assume that for small-scale fiber bursts the usual mechanism of coalescence of whistler waves with plasma waves can be applied, and the large-scale zebra pattern can be explained in the conventional double plasma resonance (DPR) model. The appearance of an uncommon fine structure is connected with the following special features of the plasma wave excitation in the radio source: Both whistler and plasma wave instabilities are too weak at the very beginning of the events (i.e., the continuum was absent), and the fine structure is almost invisible. Then, whistlers generated directly at DPR levels “highlight” the radio emission only from these levels owing to their interaction with plasma waves.     

Loss-Cone Instability and Formation of Zebra Patterns in Type IV Solar Radio Bursts

The loss-cone instability of energetic electrons at double plasma resonance is considered. Conditions required for the formation of a zebra pattern in type IV solar radio bursts are determined. It is shown that electrons with a power-law energetic spectrum can effectively excite upper-hybrid waves at double plasma resonance. Stripes of a zebra pattern become more pronounced with an increase of the loss-cone opening angle and the power-law spectral index. The growth rate at the resonance frequencies decreases with an increase of the cyclotron harmonic number. Interpretation of observations and diagnostics of plasma for the April 21, 2002, event are performed. Conclusions about the impulsive mode of injection of energetic electrons into a coronal arc are made.