The Many Faces of the Sun: A Summary of the Results from Nasa's Solar Maximum Mission

by Strong, Keith T.

• ISBN13: 9780387984810
• ISBN10: 038798481X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-02-01
• Publisher: SPRINGER VERLAG INC

Summary

A decade of observations of the Sun with NASA's Solar Maximum Mission satellite has led to important discoveries in solar and atomic physics. This book presents the first comprehensive review of these results in a single volume, providing a snapshot of the current state of knowledge of solar physics. Chapters provide insight into the structure, composition and activity of the Sun, with coverage of topics such as solar flares, variations in the solar irradiance, coronal mass ejections, and spectroscopy.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
Acknowledgments	ix
Contributors	xix
The Solar Maximum Mission	1	(18)
K.T. Strong
J.T. Schmelz
The Origins of the Mission	1	(3)
Scientific Objectives of the Mission	4	(2)
The SMM Instrument Package	6	(7)
The y-Ray Spectrometer (GRS)	7	(1)
The Hard X-Ray Burst Spectrometer (HXRBS)	8	(1)
The Hard X-Ray Imaging Spectrometer (HXIS)	9	(1)
The Bent Crystal Spectrometer (BCS)	9	(2)
The Flat Crystal Spectrometer (FCS)	11	(1)
The Ultraviolet Spectrometer/Polarimeter (UVSP)	11	(1)
The Coronagraph/Polarimeter (C/P)	12	(1)
The Active Cavity Radiometer Irradiance Monitor (ACRIM)	13	(1)
Scientific Discoveries	13	(3)
Concluding Remarks	16	(3)
Solar Irradiance Variations	19	(22)
R.C. Willson
Development of Solar Irradiance Monitors	19	(12)
Early Space-Based Solar Observations	21	(1)
Sounding-Rocket Experiments	21	(1)
Nimbus-7 ERB Experiment	21	(1)
The SMM ACRIM Experiment	22	(3)
ACRIM I Results During Solar Cycles 21 and 22	25	(1)
Variability on Solar Cycle Timescales	25	(1)
Level of Significance of the Long-Term Data Base	26	(1)
Variability on Solar Active-Region Timescales	27	(1)
The ``Sunspot Deficit'' Effect	27	(2)
Facular ``Excess'' Effect	29	(1)
Energy Balance in Active Regions	29	(1)
Short-Term Variability: Global Oscillations	29	(2)
Models of the Solar-Cycle TSI Variation	31	(2)
Active-Region Timescales	31	(1)
Solar-Cycle Timescales	31	(1)
Shortcomings of Linear Regression Models	32	(1)
Multivariate Spectral Analysis	32	(1)
ACRIM I and Succeeding Observations	33	(3)
Solar Monitoring by ERBE Experiments	33	(1)
ACRIM II on UARS	34	(1)
Measurement Strategy for the Climate TSI Data Base	34	(2)
The Long-Term Climate TSI Data Base	36	(5)
ACRIM II Relationship to ACRIM I, ERB and ERBS	36	(2)
Sustaining the TSI Database	38	(1)
Future Total Solar Irradiance Monitoring	38	(3)
Active Regions	41	(48)
G.D. Holman
C.-C. Cheng
J.B. Gurman
B.M. Haisch
A.I. Poland
J.G. Porter
J.L.R. Saba
B. Schmieder
K.T. Strong
Magnetic Field Strength and Structure	41	(17)
Results Results Prior to SMM	42	(2)
First Results with SMM	44	(2)
Subsequent Results: 1983-1987	46	(4)
The Coronal Magnetic Structures Observing Campaign	50	(6)
Coronal Magnetic Field Studies after SMM	56	(2)
Dynamics and Heating of the Solar Corona	58	(12)
FCS Line-Broadening Measurements	59	(1)
Large Nonthermal Velocities	60	(1)
Spatial Variations	61	(1)
Correlation Studies	62	(1)
FCS Line-Broadening Data	62	(1)
Interpreting the FCS Line Broadening	63	(1)
Constraints on Mass Motions	64	(1)
Link to Heating	65	(1)
Discussion	66	(1)
Coronal Heating, Magnetic Fields, and Flares	67	(1)
UVSP Observations of Active Regions	68	(2)
Transition Region Brightenings: UV Microflares	70	(4)
Sunspots	74	(6)
Magnetic Field and Height of the Transition Region	74	(1)
Sunspot Plumes	75	(2)
Sunspot Flows	77	(1)
Horizontal Flows	77	(1)
Vertical Flows	77	(1)
Nonthermal Line Broadening	78	(1)
Umbral Oscillations	78	(2)
A Look Backward, a Look Forward	80	(1)
Prominences and Filaments	80	(9)
Prominence Environment and Structure	83	(1)
Steady Flows in Prominence Material	84	(1)
Activity in Prominences	85	(1)
Postflare Loops and Surges	86	(1)
Conclusion	86	(3)
Coronal Abundances	89	(54)
A. Fludra
J.L.R. Saba
J.-C. Henoux
R.J. Murphy
D.V. Reames
J.R. Lemen
K.T. Strong
J. Sylwester
K.G. Widing
Flare X-Ray Measurements from BCS	93	(11)
Calcium Abundance	93	(5)
Fe/H and Fe/Ca Abundance	98	(4)
Relative Abundances of Ar, Ca, and Fe in Flares	102	(1)
Factors Affecting Abundance Determinations from X-Ray Spectra	103	(1)
FCS Abundances	104	(11)
FCS Active-Region Abundances	104	(1)
Abundance Variability in Active Regions	105	(4)
Impact of Resonance Scattering	109	(1)
Assessment of FCS Active-Region Abundance Results	110	(2)
FCS Flare Abundance Studies	112	(1)
Coronal Cl/S and Ar/S Measurements	112	(1)
DEM Studies of Flare Abundances	113	(2)
Determination of Solar Abundances by Solar Flare γ-Ray Spectrometry	115	(6)
γ-Ray Spectral Analysis	116	(2)
γ-Ray Results	118	(3)
Solar Energetic Particles	121	(8)
Major Proton Events	121	(4)
CIR Events from Coronal Holes	125	(1)
Impulsive Flare Events	126	(3)
Theory of Abundance Fractionation	129	(8)
Gravitational Settling	129	(1)
Pressure Gradient and Stationary Diffusion	130	(1)
Ion-Neutral Separation Due to Currents	131	(3)
Ion-Neutral Separation Due to Electromagnetic Forces	134	(1)
Discussion	135	(2)
Summary	137	(6)
Coronal Mass Ejections	143	(58)
A. Hundhausen
Nature and Structure of Coronal Mass Ejections	146	(21)
Specific Examples	146	(1)
Pre-Ejection ``Swelling'' of the Coronal Helmet Streamer	147	(1)
Formation and Outward Propagation of the Mass Ejection	148	(1)
Post-Ejection Depletion of the Helmet Streamer Region	149	(3)
Pre-Eruption Evolution of the Prominence and Corona	152	(3)
The Mass Ejection and Prominence Eruption	155	(1)
The Post-Ejection Corona	156	(1)
Summary	156	(2)
Some Measured Properties	158	(1)
Shape or Geometry	158	(5)
Angular Size	163	(3)
Locations	166	(1)
The Propagation of Mass Ejections Through the Corona	167	(9)
The Origin of Coronal Mass Ejections	176	(23)
Some Essential Facts	179	(1)
Large Spatial Scales	179	(1)
Occurrence in (and Disruption of) Closed Magnetic Structures, Including Those not Related to Active Regions	179	(1)
The Huge Variability in the Phenomenon	180	(1)
Mass Ejections and Prominence Eruptions	180	(1)
Mass Ejections and ``Optical'' Solar Flares	181	(1)
Mass Ejections and Soft X-Ray Flares	181	(4)
Formation (and Acceleration) of a Mass Ejection Within the SMM Field of View	185	(3)
Formation (and Initial Acceleration) of a Mass Ejection in the Low Corona	188	(2)
Association with an X-Ray Flare That Rises from a Very Low Background Level in the GOES Data	190	(3)
A Major Coronal Mass Ejection with no Detectable X-Ray Flare	193	(4)
What, Then, is the Origin of Coronal Mass Ejections?	197	(2)
Summary	199	(2)
Preflare Activity	201	(30)
G.M. Simnett
General Activity in Active Regions	203	(5)
Precursors to Major Flares	208	(13)
UV Emission	208	(4)
Soft X-Rays	212	(4)
Preflare Radio Emission	216	(5)
Chromospheric Evaporation	221	(3)
The Onset of Coronal Mass Ejections	224	(3)
Surges	227	(1)
Conclusions	228	(3)
Particle Acceleration in Flares	231	(42)
W.T. Vestrand
J.A. Miller
The ``Pre-SMM'' Paradigm	231	(1)
High-Energy Flare Observations	232	(27)
Temporal Phenomena	232	(1)
Rapid Acceleration to Very High Energies	232	(2)
Rapid X-Ray Variations	234	(1)
Energy-Dependent Delays	235	(2)
Properties of Interacting Particles	237	(1)
Electron Spectra	237	(2)
Ion Spectra	239	(2)
Electron/Proton Ratio	241	(1)
Interplanetary Particles and Interacting Particles	242	(2)
Is There a Threshold for Particle Acceleration?	244	(2)
Geometry of the Interaction Region	246	(1)
Directivity	246	(3)
Height and Extent of Interaction Region	249	(2)
Very-High-Energy Phenomena	251	(1)
Energetic Solar Neutrons	251	(3)
High-Energy Photons	254	(5)
Mechanisms for Particle Acceleration	259	(11)
Stochastic Acceleration	259	(6)
Shock Acceleration	265	(3)
Direct Acceleration by DC Electric Fields	268	(2)
Summary	270	(3)
Nonthermal Flare Emissions	273	(28)
M.J. Aschwanden
Statistical Aspects of Hard X-Ray Flares	273	(5)
Variability during the Solar Activity Cycle	273	(2)
Periodicities during the Solar Activity Cycle	275	(1)
Frequency Distributions and Correlations	276	(1)
The Concept of Self-Organized Criticality	277	(1)
Particle Acceleration and Injection	278	(9)
Fast Time Structures in Hard X-Rays	280	(1)
The Concept of a ``Statistical Flare''	280	(2)
Electron Beam Signatures in Hard X-Rays and Radio	282	(2)
Pulsed Injection of Particles	284	(3)
Second-Step Acceleration	287	(1)
Particle Trapping and Precipitation	287	(13)
Incoherent Radiation from Trapped Particles	288	(1)
Temporal Aspects	289	(1)
Spectral Analysis	290	(2)
Imaging Data	292	(3)
Coherent Emission from Trapped Particles	295	(1)
Beam-Driven Emission in the Trap	295	(1)
Loss-Cone-Driven Emission	296	(1)
Pulsation Mechanisms in the Trap	297	(2)
Precipitation Signatures	299	(1)
Flare Diagnostics from Hard X-Ray/Radio Observations	300	(1)
Chromospheric Evaporation Theory	301	(30)
P.L. Bornmann
Pre-SMM Results	302	(8)
Early Observations	302	(2)
Theories prior to SMM	304	(4)
P78-1 Observations	308	(2)
Early SMM Results	310	(12)
Initial SMM Observations of Soft X-Ray Line Profiles	310	(5)
Hinotori Observations	315	(2)
Theories after Initial SMM Observations	317	(1)
Thermal Models	317	(3)
Nonthermal Model	320	(1)
Other Models	321	(1)
Combined SMM X-Ray and Hα Observations	321	(1)
Later SMM Results	322	(7)
Later SMM Observations of Soft X-Ray Line Profiles	322	(2)
Other Wavelengths	324	(1)
Recent Theories	325	(4)
Future Developments	329	(1)
Conclusions	330	(1)
Flare Dynamics	331	(62)
E. Antonucci
D. Alexander
J.L. Culhane
C. de Jager
P. MacNeice
B.V. Somov
D.M. Zarro
Results from Soft X-Ray Spectra	332	(13)
Physical Properties of the Flare Plasmas	332	(1)
Electron Temperature Measurements	333	(2)
Temperature Distribution of the Flare Plasma	335	(2)
Density Measurements	337	(1)
Departures from Ionization Equilibrium	337	(1)
Dynamics	338	(1)
Impulsive-Phase X-Ray Line Profiles	339	(3)
Analysis Techniques for Soft X-Ray Spectra	342	(3)
Chromospheric Evaporation	345	(30)
Properties of Plasma Upflows	347	(1)
Blueshifted Spectral Emission	347	(3)
Velocity-Temperature Distribution of Convective Flows	350	(1)
Upflows during the Cooling Phase	351	(2)
Soft and Hard X-Ray Imaging Observations	353	(1)
Energetics of Chromospheric Evaporation	354	(1)
Mass and Energy Balance as Deduced from Soft X-Rays	355	(1)
Results of Coordinated Hα and X-Ray Observations	356	(3)
Simulations of the Hydrodynamics of Flare Loops	359	(2)
Model Equations	361	(3)
Numerical Design Issues	364	(2)
Results of Modeling	366	(2)
Simulations of the Soft X-Ray Spectral Emission	368	(1)
Results on the Dynamics from Simulated Line Profiles	369	(3)
Simulations of the Average Properties of the Evaporated Plasma	372	(1)
Constraints on Flare Models from Impulsive-Phase Spectra	373	(2)
Nature of Nonthermal Line Broadenings	375	(18)
Properties of Nonthermal Broadenings	376	(3)
Determination of Vnt	379	(2)
Broadening Mechanisms	381	(1)
Interpretations of the Observations	382	(4)
Line Broadening as a Signature of Magnetic Reconnection	386	(2)
Models of RCSs and Suprathermal Line Profiles	388	(3)
Concluding Remarks	391	(2)
Ultraviolet Flare Studies	393	(16)
C.-C. Cheng
UV Flare Plasma Diagnostics	394	(3)
UV and Hard X-Ray Bursts	397	(7)
Flare Topology: Interacting Loops	404	(1)
Discussion	405	(4)
The Gradual Phase of Flares	409	(32)
Z.F. Svestka
G. Poletto
J. Fontenla
P. Hick
R.A. Kopp
B. Sylwester
J. Sylwester
Heating and Cooling in the Gradual Phase	409	(4)
Emission Measure-Temperature Diagrams	413	(5)
Flaring Arches	418	(4)
Gradual Phase of Eruptive Flares	422	(6)
Postflare Giant Arches	428	(6)
Giant Arches: Modeling and Interpretation	434	(7)
Spectroscopy and Atomic Physics	441	(16)
K.J.H. Phillips
Theory of Line Intensities	441	(2)
Density-Sensitive Line Ratios	443	(5)
Temperature-Sensitive Line Ratios	448	(2)
Element Abundances	450	(3)
Photospheric X-Ray Lines	453	(1)
Checking and Correcting Atomic Data	453	(2)
Summary and Future Directions	455	(2)
Solar-Terrestrial and Terrestrial Science	457	(24)
J.M. Ryan
A.C. Aikin
E.W. Cliver
E. Rieger
G.H. Share
SMM's Impact on Solar-Terrestrial Studies	457	(4)
Paradigm Shift in Solar-Terrestrial Physics	458	(1)
Two Classes of SEP Events	459	(2)
γ-Rays from the Earth	461	(6)
Galactic Cosmic Ray-Induced γ-Rays from the Earth	463	(2)
Solar Cosmic Ray-Induced γ-Rays from the Earth	465	(2)
Transient Radiation Belts from Orbiting Nuclear Reactors	467	(4)
Mesospheric Chemistry Studies with UVSP	471	(10)
Ozone Measurements	473	(4)
Molecular Oxygen Measurements	477	(4)
Solar-Stellar Connection	481	(16)
B.M. Haisch
Stellar Coronae and Acoustic Heating	482	(2)
The Dividing Line	484	(3)
The Rotation-Activity Relation: Calibrating the Dynamo	487	(2)
Age versus Activity: The Evolution of the Sun	489	(2)
Stellar Activity Cycles	491	(1)
Mapping Stellar Surfaces	492	(1)
Flares on Other Stars	493	(1)
What is the Range of Stellar Power Ratios?	494	(1)
Conclusion	495	(2)
Comet Observations	497	(8)
O.C. St. Cyr
Comet Halley and Comet Machholz	498	(2)
Comet Machholz (1988 XV)	500	(1)
Kreutz Family of Sungrazing Comets	501	(2)
Summary	503	(2)
Cosmic Studies	505	(28)
G.H. Share
C. Kouveliotou
R. Schwartz
Hard X-Ray Sources	507	(3)
A0535+26	508	(1)
Cygnus X-1	509	(1)
HXRBS Studies of Galactic Hard X-Ray Sources	510	(1)
γ-Ray Bursts	510	(8)
Spectra	510	(4)
Spectral Evolution	514	(2)
Periodicities	516	(1)
Statistical Studies	516	(1)
Soft γ-Ray Repeaters	516	(2)
γ-Ray Observations of Recent Supernovae	518	(3)
Discovery of γ-Rays from SN1987a	519	(2)
Limits on 56Ni Production in a Type I Supernova	521	(1)
γ-Ray Observations of Recent Novae	521	(1)
Searches for γ-Ray Transients	522	(3)
γ-Ray Lines from SS433	522	(1)
Search for Short Annihilation Line Transients	522	(1)
Search for Transient Lines from the Crab Nebula	523	(1)
Narrow or Moderately Broadened Transient Lines	523	(1)
Transient Emissions from Relativistic-Pair Plasmas	523	(2)
Galactic Observations	525	(7)
Observations of Interstellar 26Al	525	(1)
Galactic Positron Annihilation Radiation	526	(3)
The Diffuse Galactic Spectrum from 0.3 to 8.5 MeV	529	(2)
Limits on Galactic 44Ti and 60Fe	531	(1)
Limits on Deexcitation Lines from Interstellar Carbon and Oxygen	531	(1)
Neutron Capture in Black Hole Candidates	531	(1)
Summary of γ-Ray Line Observations	532	(1)
References	533	(56)
Acronyms	589	(4)
Acknowledgment of Copyright	593	(10)
Index	603