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NASA NTRS1985

The starting conditions for an optically small solar gamma ray flare

It is suggested that optically small gamma-ray flares result from gradual pre-flare acceleration of protons over approximately 1,000 s by a series of magnetohydrodynamic shocks in the low corona. A fraction of the accelerated protons are trapped in the corona where they form a seed population for future acceleration. If the shock acceleration is sufficiently rapid proton energies may exceed the gamma-ray production threshold and trigger gamma-ray emission. This occurs without the total flare energy being necessarily large. Magnetic field geometry is an important parameter.

Simnett, G. M.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Plausible mechanisms for rapid acceleration of protons during solar flares

The distinctive physical features of 20 gamma-ray line flares observed during Solar Maximum Mission are discussed. The average energy deposition by nonthermal electrons in the impulsive phase of the flare event of April 27, 1980 is calculated, on the basis of spectral data from the Hinotori satellite. Analysis of the hard X-ray spectral evolution of the flare events of June 21, 1980 and April 27, 1981, showed a very hot (about 10 to the 8th K) thermal component with an emission measure of 3 x 10 to the 47th per cu cm. Some possible mechanisms for the particle acceleration observed during the flare events are discussed, including: the delay of high-energy hard X-rays; first-order Fermi acceleration by shocks propagating in a closed flare loop; and the compression of accelerated particles by upstream and downstream scattering centers around a shock front. In addition to the above mechanisms, sotchastic acceleration by turbulence is identified as a possible mechanism for rapid proton acceleration during solar flare events.

Bai, T.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Intergalactic thermonuclear gamma-ray line

The possibility of thermonculear reactions occurring in dilute space is briefly considered. X-ray emission from clusters of galaxies demonstrates that perhaps as much as 10 to the 14th solar masses of hot gas (T of about 100 million K) may often surround galaxies in clusters with a density of perhaps 0.004/cu cm. If the ion temperature is 100 million K, the thermonuclear reaction p + d to He-3 + gamma ray should emit gamma rays at a rate of roughly 4 x 10 to the 41st/sec with energy 5.516 + or -0.016 MeV. Such a source in teh virgo cluster at 15.7 Mpc would present a line flux of 1 x 10 to the -11th/sq cm/sec.

Clayton, D. D.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Characteristics of gamma-ray line flares

Observations of solar gamma rays by the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) demonstrate that energetic protons and ions are rapidly accelerated during the impulsive phase. To understand the acceleration mechanisms for these particles, the characteristics of the gamma ray line flares observed by SMM were studied. Some very intense hard X-ray flares without detectable gamma ray lines were also investigated. Gamma ray line flares are distinguished from other flares by: (1) intense hard X-ray and microwave emissions; (2) delay of high energy hard X-rays, (3) emission of type 2 and/or type 4 radio bursts; and (4) flat hard X-ray spectra (average power law index: 3.1). The majority of the gamma ray line flares shared all these characteristics, and the remainder shared at least three of them. Positive correlations were found between durations of spike bursts and spatial sizes of flare loops as well as between delay times and durations of spike bursts.

Bai, T.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The great flare of 1982 June 6

The great soft X-ray (SXR) flare (X12) of the past solar maximum was observed by Hinotori and by Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO) on June 6, 1982. Hinotori data consist of hard X-ray (HXR) and SXR images in the rise and decay of the flare, high-resolution soft X-ray spectra throughout the flare, and HXR and gamma-ray data. The BBSO data include films of H-alpha, H-alpha blue wing, D3 and longitudinal magnetic field, as well as video tapes of continuum. Images in HXR, SXR, H-alpha, D3 and the continuum are compared and SXR spectra analyzed. The flare resulted from extended motion of a large spot shearing the magnetic field. D3 and white-light images exhibit a progression from fast flashes to two ribbons, while both HXR and SXR are centered on the optical kernels. The continuum emission shows the same temporal behavior as the HXR at 160 keV. In its early phases, the Fe XXV line was double-peaked, and a decreasing blueshifted (up to 400 km/sec) component was observed, from which the evaporation rate of chromospheric material was estimated. It is suggested that this upflow is adequate to supply the coronal cloud. Flare energetics are discussed in detail, and it is concluded that a significant amount of energy was deposited in the corona, and that nonthermal electrons are the major energy input.

Tanaka, K.↗
NASA NTRS1986

MAX '91: An advanced payload for the exploration of high energy processes on the active sun

The results of a NASA science working group established to study a follow-on to the Solar Maximum Mission are given. A complement of instruments is suggested, with the primary objective of studying the physics of energetic processes in cosmic plasmas by observing high-energy phenomena in solar flares. High-quality flare observations will be possible with these instruments during the next peak in solar activity expected to last from 1990 through at least 1995. The primary objective of MAX '91 is to study energetic processes in cosmic plasmas by observing high-energy phenomena in solar flares. These processes, which are of general astrophysical importance, include energy release, particle acceleration, and energy transport. Results from comprehensive observing programs conducted during the last solar cycle have demonstrated the great scientific potential of high-energy emissions for addressing these central physical processes. Consequently, a payload optimized for observations of high-energy solar flare phenomena is suggested for MAX '91. It consists of the following four specific instruments: (1) a Fourier-transform X-ray and gamma-ray imager covering the energy range from a few keV to 1 MeV with arcsecond spatial resolution; (2) a cooled germanium X-ray and gamma-ray spectrometer with keV spectral resolution covering the energy range from 10 keV to 50 MeV; (3) Bragg spectrometers with high spectral resolution at wavelengths between 1 and 9 angstrons; and (4) a soft X-ray, EUV, or UV imaging instrument with arcsecond spatial resolution.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1987

The gamma-ray spectrometer experiment on the solar maximum mission satellite

The major activities summarized include: Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (GRS) instrument response and flight operation; solar flare studies; cosmic gamma-ray studies; summary of computer operations; search for flare-precursor protons; diffuse galactic annihilation radiation; cosmic ray bursts; atmospheric gamma ray spectrum; gamma ray line emission from supernovae and novae; improved angular resolutions using Earth occultation; and production processing of NASA IPD data. In addition, an updated list of published papers and invited papers or contributed papers presented at scientific meetings is provided.

Chupp, E. L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

A preliminary summary of the observations of the 16 February 1984 solar flare (STIP Interval XV, 12-21 February 1984)

The solar flare on 16 Feb. 1984 (0900 UT) and the associated photon and particle emissions were perhaps the most interesting solar and interplanetary phenomena during STIP Interval XV, 12 to 21 Feb. 1984. The X-ray and microwave radio emissions, as observed from the Earth, were relatively weak and no optical flare was reported. However, the hard X-ray and low energy gamma-ray observations made with the Pioneer Venus Orbiter spacecraft behind the west limb of the Sun indicate that the flare was, in reality, very intense. There is evidence that the flare was located approx 40 deg behind the west limb of the Sun and hence, for instruments located near the Earth, the most intense parts of the X-ray and microwave radio sources were occulted by the photosphere. However, the effect of occultation on the metric type II, type III, and type IV and decimetric (type DCIM) radio sources appeared to be relatively small. Following the flare, a large increase in the counting rates was recorded by several ground level neutron monitors and energetic particle detectors located in interplanetary space. A preliminary analysis of the 16 Feb. 1984 flare observations follows.

Kane, S. R.↗
NASA NTRS1987

High-energy processes in solar flares

A detailed study of high-energy processes in solar flares is reported, including the production of neutrons and pions, and incorporating isobaric and scaling models and a recent compilation of pion production data (Dermer, 1986). The broad-band gamma-ray spectrum resulting from the decay of neutral pions, the bremsstrahlung of positrons and electrons from the decay of charged pions, and the annihilation in flight of positrons is evaluated. Also evaluated is the 0.511 MeV gamma-ray line resulting from the annihilation of the positrons which survive annihilation in flight. Calculations were based on an isotropic, thick-target model using the best available nuclear data and models. Results are compared with extensive observation of the June 3, 1982 flare (10-120 MeV gamma rays), 0.511 and 2.2 MeV line emission, nuclear line emission, high-energy neutrons, and interplanetary charged particles.

Murphy, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Hard X-ray and radio emission at the onset of great solar flares

A study of the onset phase of ten great hard X-ray bursts is presented. It is shown from hard X-ray and radio observations in different wavelength ranges that the energization of the electrons proceeds on a global time-scale for some tens of seconds. In nine of the bursts, two phases of emission can be distinguished during the onset phase: the preflash phase (during which emission up to an energy limit ranging from some tens of keV to 200 keV is observed) followed ten to some tens of seconds later by the flash phase (where the count rate in all detector channels rises simultaneously to within some seconds). For two of the events, strong gamma-ray line emission is observed and is shown to start close to the onset of the flash phase.

Klein, K.-L.↗
NASA NTRS1988

A cosmic and solar X-ray and gamma-ray instrument for a scout launch

An overview is presented for a set of simple and robust X-ray and gamma ray instruments which have both cosmic and solar objectives. The primary solar scientific objective is the study of the beaming of energetic electrons and ions in solar flares. The instrument will measure spectra and polarization of flare emissions up to 10 MeV. At X-ray energies both the directly emitted flux and the reflected albedo flux will be measured with a complement of six X-ray sensors. Each of these detectors will have a different high Z filter selected to optimize both the energy resolution and high rate capabilities in the energy band 10 to 300 keV. At energies greater than 100 keV seven 7.6 x 7.6 cm NaI and a set of 30 concentric plastic scattering detectors will record the spectra and polarization of electron bremsstrahlung and nuclear gamma rays. All of the components of the instrument are in existence and have passed flight tests for earlier space missions. The instrument will use a spinning solar oriented Scout spacecraft. The NaI detectors will act as a self-modulating gamma ray detector for cosmic sources in a broad angular band which lies at 90 degrees to the Sun-Earth vector and hence will scan the entire sky in 6 months.

Forrest, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

High-energy facility development plan

Approaches to the deployment of instruments for the study of high-energy solar emissions alone or in conjunction with other solar instruments are considered. The Space Station has been identified as the preferred mode for the deployment of the Advanced Solar Observatory, and it is suggested that a proposed High-Energy Facility could be on a coorbiting platform. The implementation plan for the High-Energy Facility involves the definition of the interface structures required to mount the facility instruments to the Space Station and the development of hard X-ray and gamma-ray imaging, spectroscopic, and polarimetric instruments.

Walker, Arthur B. C., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Solar flare gamma-ray and hard x ray imaging with the GRID-on-a-balloon

A primary scientific objective for solar flare research during the rapidly approaching maximum in solar activity is the imaging of gamma-ray and hard x ray sources of solar flare emissions. These goals will be pursued by the Gamma Ray Imaging Device (GRID) instrument, one of three instruments recently selected for NASA's Max '91 Solar Balloon Program. The GRID instrument is based on the technique of Fourier transform imaging and utilizes scanning modulation grid collimator optics to provide full-Sun imaging with 1.9-arcsecond resolution over the energy range from 20 to 700 keV at time resolutions from 0.1 to 2 s. The GRID telescope will employ 32 subcollimators, each composed of a matched pair of high-Z collimator grids separated by 5.2 meters and a phoswich scintillation spectrometer detector having no spatial resolution. The subcollimators and integrally-mounted fine aspect system are contained within a telescope canister which will be pointed to 0.1 degree accuracy and cyclically scanned to produce source modulation. The 32 subcollimators provide a uniform distribution of grid slit orientations and a logarithmic distribution of slit spacings corresponding to angular dimensions of 1.9 arcseconds to several arcminutes. The instrument is several orders of magnitude more sensitive than the HXIS instrument on the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) and nearly 10 times more sensitive than any similar instrument scheduled to fly during the next solar maximum. The payload, designed for long-duration high-altitude balloon capability, is scheduled for its first science flight (8 to 14 days duration) from the Antarctic in January of 1992.

Orwig, Larry E.↗
NASA NTRS1991

A search for the 478 keV line from the decay of nucleosynthetic Be-7

Unstable Be-7 (half-life 53.28 days) is expected to be present in the ejecta of classical novae. If the frequency of novae in the central Galaxy is high enough, a nearly steady state abundance of Be-7 will be present there. Data accumulated during transits of the Galactic center across the aperture of the Solar Maximum Mission Gamma Ray Spectrometer have been searched for evidence of the 478 keV gamma-ray line resulting from Be-7 decay. A 3-sigma upper limit of 0.00016 gamma/sq cm s has been placed on the emission in this line from the central radian of the Galactic plane. Less stringent limits have been set on the production of Be-7 in Nova Aquilae 1982, Nova Vulpeculae 1984 No. 2, and Nova Centauri 1986 from observations with the same instrument.

Harris, Michael J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Solar gamma-ray-line flares, type II radio bursts, and coronal mass ejections

A Big Flare Syndrome (BFS) test is used to substantiate earlier reports of a statistically significant association between nuclear gamma-ray-line (GRL) flares and metric type II bursts from coronal shocks. The type II onset characteristically follows the onset of gamma-ray emission with a median delay of two minutes. It is found that 70-90 percent of GRL flares for which coronagraph data were available were associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Gradual and impulsive GRL flares were equally well associated with CMEs. The CMEs were typically fast, with a median speed greater than 800 km/s. possible `non-BFS' explanations for the GRL-type II association are discussed.

Cliver, E. W.↗
NASA NTRS1991

A balloon-borne payload for imaging hard X-rays and gamma rays from solar flares

Hard X-rays and gamma rays provide direct evidence of the roles of accelerated particles in solar flares. An approach that employs a spatial Fourier-transform technique for imaging the sources of these emissions is described, and the development of a balloon-borne imaging device based on this instrumental technique is presented. The detectors, together with the imaging optics, are sensitive to hard X-ray and gamma-ray emission in the energy-range from 20 to 700 keV. This payload, scheduled for its first flight in June 1992, will provide 11-arc second angular resolution and millisecond time resolution with a whole-sun field of view. For subsequent flights, the effective detector area can be increased by as much as a factor of four, and imaging optics with angular resolution as fine as 2 arcsec can be added to the existing gondola and metering structures.

Crannell, Carol J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

A search for the 2.223 MeV neutron capture gamma-ray line from the directions of Cygnus and the Galactic center

Free neutrons produced by nuclear reactions in high-temperature plasmas may undergo proton capture in ambient material, giving rise to gamma-ray emisison in a line at 2.223 MeV. Plausible settings for this process include accretion disks around black holes, material accreting onto neutron stars, and the binary companions of TeV gamma-ray sources. Data accumulated by the Solar Maximum Mission Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS) between 1980 and 1989 have been searched for evidence of this line, during periods when the black hole candidates Cygnus X-1 and the Galactic center were in transit across the GRS aperture. During these periods the neutron-star X-ray binaries Cygnus X-3 and Scorpius X-1 were also in the respective GRS fields of view. A 3-sigma upper limit of 0.0001/sq cm s has been placed on the steady emission in the 2.223 MeV line from the Galactic center and Scorpius X-1. Upper limits in the range 0.00012-0.00022 gamma/sq cm s have been set for Cygnus X-1 according to different models of the origin of the emission. The 3-sigma upper limit to the phase-averaged steady emission from Cygnus X-3 was found to be 0.00012 gamma/sq cm s.

Harris, Michael J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Summary of completed project

The primary goal of the work in this proposal has been the determination of the requirement for acceleration of particles, especially electrons, during solar flares. This is one of the important and yet unsolved problems in solar flares and other astronomical objects. This is done by detailed theoretical investigation of interaction of accelerated particles with ambient plasma including interaction with particles, waves, and large scale magnetic fields. Comparison with observed impulsive phase radiation such as X-rays, gamma-rays, microwaves, and type III radiation is used for constraining the models and for determination of the characteristics of the accelerated particles. Steady state and time-dependent numerical codes have been developed based on the Fokker-Planck method for study of the particle acceleration and transport during a flare. Using these, the correlation between characteristics of radiation at various wavelengths have been investigated and some constraints have been set on the model parameters. During the last three year period of this grant, dissertation research of three graduate students have been partially supported by this grant. Each of these theses has dealt with various observed properties of flare emission with particular emphasis on the interrelationship between radiation in at least two energy bands: X-rays and gamma-rays, X-rays and microwaves, and X-rays and type III radiation. This has allowed considerable tightening of constraints on models, and inclusion of wave particle interaction has allowed direct calculations of acceleration processes.

Petrosian, Vahe↗