Search NASA⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Schmieder, B.

Publications and source records attributed to Schmieder, B..

At least 37 records · Page 2

Dynamics of solar filaments. V - Oscillations in the H-alpha and 1548 A C IV lines

The Multichannel Subtractive Double Pass (MSDP) Spectrograph operating in the Meudon solar tower and the Ultraviolet Spectrometer and Polarimeter (UVSP) aboard the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) satellite are used to analyze, by Fourier transform technique, time sequence observations of filaments in both the H-alpha line and in the 1548 A C IV line. The H-alpha data confirm previous findings that there are no oscillations at the location of the filament in the observed range 1-10 mHz. In the C IV line, power is observed in some parts of the filament where a steady velocity gradient is present, e.g. in the footpoints. The energy is probably due to convection motions rather than pressure oscillations.

Malherbe, J. M.↗

Closed magnetic structures in the chromosphere and in the transition region

Using simultaneous observations of the same solar regions in the lines H-alpha and C IV 1548 A, schematic models of closed magnetic lines have been derived from dynamical constraints. It is concluded that the magnetic loops are closed at higher levels above facular than above nonfacular regions. This result remains valid whatever are the assumed density models and even if the 3-min oscillations are taken into account. The center-to-limb behavior is well predicted by taking into account the relative opacity in the chromosphere and transition region.

Malherbe, J. M.↗

Surges as tracers of magnetic lines

During the maximum activity year 1980, chromospheric mass ejections were observed with the Multichannel Subtractive Double Pass Spectrograph operating at Meudon (MSDP), while the UV and X-ray emissions were observed respectively with the UV Spectrograph (UVSP) and HXIS instruments on the SMM satellite. These ejections are not related directly to flares but are located in active regions near sunspots. As the magnetic field is frozen in the matter, the study of the velocity field leads to the geometry of the magnetic structures and the temporal evolution of the magnetic-field lines. Ejections of matter recur often with a period of 10 to 20 minutes. In C IV, the bright loops coincide with the H-alpha surge but are more extended. Associated with the events are either X-ray emission or type-III bursts.

Schmieder, B.↗

On the onset of eruptive prominences and coronal transients

During the Maximum Year, preflare and preeruptive phenomena have been observed which give a new idea on the association of eruptive prominences and coronal transients. The propagation of a C IV brightening through a prominence is related to the onset of a MHD wave. It is followed by the activation of the prominence and its eruption some two hours later. A coronal transient is observed above 1.6 R(s). It is argued that the eruption of the prominence is the result of perturbations in the magnetic field configuration initiated by the MHD waves. The consequence would be that more generally the primary initiation of the ruption may happen up to several hours before the rise of the prominence.

Simon, G.↗

Constraints on filament models deduced from dynamical analysis

The conclusions deduced from simultaneous observations with the Ultra-Violet Spectrometer and Polarimeter (UVSP) on the Solar Maximum Mission satellite, and the Multichannel Subtractive Double Pass (MSPD) spectrographs at Meudon and Pic du Midi observatories are presented. The observations were obtained in 1980 and 1984. All instruments have almost the same field of view and provide intensity and velocity maps at two temperatures. The resolution is approx. 0.5 to 1.5" for H alpha line and 3" for C IV. The high resolution and simultaneity of the two types of observations allows a more accurate description of the flows in prominences as functions of temperature and position. The results put some contraints on the models and show that dynamical aspects must be taken into account.

Simon, G.↗

On the existence of oscillations in solar filaments observed in H alpha and C IV lines

Time sequence observations of filaments in both the H alpha line and the 1548 A C IV line were analyzed with the Fourier transform technique in the frequency range (1 - 10 mHz). No oscillation is detected in filaments except at the footpoints where a steady velocity gradient is large. The energy is probably due to convective motions rather than pressure oscillations.

Schmieder, B.↗

Filament eruption connected to protospheric activity

Two cases of activation of filaments that occured in regions of intense magnetic activity was studied. The simultaneous observations from Debrecen Observatory (white light and H alpha filtergram), and from Meudon Observatory (magnetogram, MSDP dopplergram and intensity maps in H alpha) gave a complementary set of data from which can be produced evidence of the influence of the photospheric magnetic field on the destabilization process of the filaments. On June 22, 1980, the eruption of the filament is associated with the motion of pores, which are manifestations of emerging flux knots. On September 3, 1980, the twisting motions in the filament are associated to the birth of a pore in its neighborhood. These observations are discussed.

Simon, G.↗

Dynamics of solar filaments. VI - Center-to-limb study of H-alpha and C IV velocities in a quiescent filament

The rotation of a stable quiescent filament from near disk center to the limb has been observed. Observations of intensity and velocity were made in H-alpha and C IV, and compared with magnetic field measurements. From the H-alpha observations, it is concluded that the filament is made up of many small scale magnetic features that are not coherently aligned along the neutral line. They are especially convoluted at the apparent 'footpoints'. The measured velocities are of the order of a few kilometers per second in both lines. However, the comparison of the standard deviations of the C IV velocities in and out of the filament as it rotates toward the limb shows that the vertical velocities in the filament are greater than the horizontal velocities. Measurements of velocity do not make it possible to distinguish between the Raadu-Kuperus (1973) or Kippenhahn-Schluter (1957) models for prominences because neither theory is adequately developed for this comparison. However, the observation of the many fine loops brings into question the correctness of either model.

Simon, G.↗

Dynamics of solar filaments. IV - Structure and mass flow of an active region filament

An active region filament near the center of the solar disk was observed on September 29-30, 1980, with the Multichannel Subtractive Double Pass Spectrograph of the Meudon solar tower and the UV Spectrograph and Polarimeter aboard the SMM satellite. H-alpha and C IV measurements are presently used to study brightness and material velocity in the 10,000 and 100,000 K temperature ranges, and photospheric magnetograms are used to investigate the underlying magnetic field. Attention is given to the constraints imposed on possible filament structures by observations, as well as the expected MHD relationships.

Schmieder, B.↗

Mass fluxes and magnetic structures in the chromosphere and the transition region - Canopies

Preliminary results of applying a model of canopy-type magnetic lines to account for observed mass fluxes in the chromosphere and transiton region are presented. A set of center-to-limb data obtained in H-alpha and C IV, and to which the model is applied, is reported. The C IV line is assumed to form everywhere at the same height, and the H-alpha formation height is derived by assuming that the absorption coefficient is proportional to the local density. The density ratio between H-alpha and C IV levels is taken to be 100. From the results, it is concluded that the model accounts for the low ratio of radial velocities C IV/H-alpha at r = 0, the increase of H-alpha velocity near the limb, and the general center-to-limb behavior in both lines.

Mein, P.↗

Dynamic evolution of recurrent mass ejections observed in H-alpha and C IV lines

The mass ejections of 1 September, 1980 are studied from observations obtained with the MSDP spectrograph and with the Ultraviolet Spectrometer and Polarimeter aboard the Solar Maximum Mission satellite. The analysis is focused on observations in the chromospheric H-alpha line and the transition region C IV 1548 A line. It is noted that cold and hot material had the same projection, although the upward C IV velocity structure was more extended than the H-alpha one. It is shown that the observed contrast of the H-alpha absorbing structure can be interpreted in terms of a dynamic cloud model overlying the chromosphere. Radial velocities of 25-30 km/s and -40 km/s are estimated for the first and second phases of ejection, respectively.

Schmieder, B.↗

Dynamics of solar filaments. III - Analysis of steady flows in H-alpha and C IV lines

A statistical analysis of intensities and radial velocities of several solar plage filaments (i.e. prominences seen on the solar disk) observed at disk center is presented. Intensity and radial (= vertical) velocity maps were derived from simultaneous 2D measurements of the H-alpha chromospheric line with the Multichannel Subtractive Double Pass spectrograph operating on the Meudon solar tower, and also obtained from 2D recordings of the C IV transition-zone line (1548 A) with the UV Spectrometer and Polarimeter aboard the Solar Maximum Mission satellite. A good correlation (around 0.5) is found between intensities in both lines, as well as between velocities. Persistent upflows are measured in both lines at the filament location. The mean vertical velocities are respectively 0.5 km/s in H-alpha and 5.6 km/s in C IV. The analysis of mass fluxes suggests that C IV upflows occur in the transition region around prominences rather than below, in the chromosphere-corona transition zone.

Schmieder, B.↗

Oscillations and stationary motions in filaments

Observations of oscillations in filaments, which are cold magnetic structures suspended in the corona, are used to test theories of coronal heating by acoustic waves high in the atmosphere. Long lived stationary motions observed in filaments suggest exchanges of material between them and the surrounding corona. A coupling between upflows in filaments and subphotospheric convective motions, dragging the field lines of the prominence magnetic support, is possible.

Schmieder, B.↗

Flare build-up study - Homologous flares group. I

Solar Maximum Mission observations have been used to study the origin and amount of energy, mechanism of storage and release, and conditions for the occurrence of solar flares, and some results of these studies as they pertain to homologous flares are briefly discussed. It was found that every set of flares produced 'rafales' of homologous flares, i.e., two, three, four, or more flares separated in time by an hour or less. No great changes in macroscopic photospheric patterns were observed during these flaring periods. A quantitative brightness parameter of the relation between homologous flares is defined. Scale changes detected in the dynamic spectrum of flare sites are in good agreement with a theoretical suggestion by Sturrock. Statistical results for different homologous flare active regions show the existence in homologous flaring areas of a 'pivot' of previous filaments interpreted as a signature of an anomaly in the solar rotation.

Martres, M.-J.↗

Recurrent mass ejections observed in H-alpha and CIV

Time sequences of recurrent mass ejections have been observed during a coordinated SMY program (Sept. 1, 1980 - Sept. 23, 1980 - Oct. 2, 1980). Comparison of the temporal evolution of H-alpha and CIV brightnesses shows a weak phase lag between H-alpha and CIV maxima, in the case of homologous flares, with CIV brightness maxima preceding H-alpha maxima. The analysis of the variation of the ejection velocities is expected to lead to the determination of an energy balance. Such recurrent ejections could be due to periodic energy storage and periodic reorganization of magnetic field as envisaged to occur for flares, but at lower energy levels.

Schmieder, B.↗

Dynamics of a surge observed in the C IV and H alpha lines

Time sequences of a surge have been obtained in Active Region 2701 during a coordinated SMY program, on October 2nd, 1980, while the MSDP spectrograph operated in H-alpha at the Meudon Solar Tower and the UVSP spectrometer on SMM observed in the 1548 A C IV resonance line. The cold (H-alpha) and hot (C IV) material follow the same channel, and the event lasts about 10 min in both lines. A good correlation is found between H-alpha and C IV velocities; radial velocities along the surge are in the range 40-60 km/s in both cases. The observations are consistent with the hypothesis that a pressure gradient drives the surge. The H-alpha data seem to indicate the presence of a shock wave in the chromosphere, while the C IV quantities (velocities, accelerations) vary on a very short time scale. Their maxima occur at some locations which could be interpreted as 'pinched' zones.

Schmieder, B.↗

Dynamics of the eruptive prominence of 6 May 1980 and its relationship to the coronal transient

The active prominence of the 6 May 1980 has been observed between 5.23 and 10.22 UT with the Ultraviolet Spectrometer and Polarimeter (UVSP) on board the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) satellite. Intensities of 1548 A line of CIV and dopplershifts have been derived. A motion of the magnetic tube maintaining the prominence material is noted. This motion is followed by a coronal transient observed with the Coronagraph and Polarimeter (C/P) between 11 and 13 UT. It is suggested that the event is related to a MHD wave induced by a flare occurring behind the solar disk, and a MHD modeling of the perturbation is proposed.

Mein, N.↗

About the onsets of closely-consecutive homologous flares

The onsets of closely consecutive homologous flares (CCHF), which are separated by less than 6 hours and most often by about 1 hour, are compared with that of isolated flares (no flare in the region half a day before). Isolated flares appear to be formed of two components, a surging arch and a flaring arch, while a set of CCHF may be composed of consecutive elementary flares or of a series of complex ones. It is shown that the onset of eruptive flare phenomena is not the same for an isolated event and for a member of CCHF (excluding the first) as found in H-alpha and EUV observations, and probably in X-ray observations also. It is suggested that a CCHF set would become a single flare with episodic enhancement of brightness by taking account of the common H-alpha behavior of surging and flaring arches as well as the EUV emission.

Martres, M. J.↗