Preflare heating of filaments

Disappearances of preflare filaments have been observed on June 22, 1980 (S07,W13) (flare at 13.04 U.T.) and September 3, 1980 (flare at 7.52 U.T.). The analysis of MSDP data (MEUDON) leads to the followings conclusions : - Disappearances begin a few minutes before the Hα impulsive phase. - The filaments can be seen again after the flares. - Upwards motions occur in several points, without disturbing significantly preëxisting downflows.Velocity maps suggest shears or velocity loops.The filament disappearance seems to be due to a heating mechanism beginning before the flare maximum.     

A surge obsrved in Hα and CIV

Simultaneous Hα (MSDP at Meudon) and C IV (UVSP aboard SMM) measurements of Active Region 2701 were made on October 2, 1980. Isodensity and velocity maps were derived for both lines and superposed. A good correlation was found between Hα and C IV velocities. A surge was observed for 10 minutes. The base was located in a bright point in CIV and Hα, and escaping matter followed the same channel (“absorbing” in Hα, “emitting” in C IV). The velocity along the surge was about 80 kms.-1 in Hα and 100 km s-1 in C IV. A loop appeared in C IV. We discuss the existing models and conclude that the vertical pressure gradient was capable of driving the surge.     

The chromospheric network dynamics as derived from the analysis of Ca II K and He I 1083 nm lines

We present results of line profile analysis of observations simultaneously performed around the Ca II K and He I (1083 nm) lines, using the Horizontal Spectrograph of the Vacuum Tower Telescope of NSO/SP. From the spectral analysis of a 83 min long sequence of CCD spectra, we derive some dynamical properties of the main components of the quiet chromosphere: i) the magnetic network, ii) the cell interior. We present a whole set of amplitude spectra near 5 and 3 min periods for the two lines; K₃ and He I velocity spectra extending up to 100 mHz are also considered, for the first time.     

Physics of Solar Prominences: I—Spectral Diagnostics and Non-LTE Modelling

This review paper outlines background information and covers recent advances made via the analysis of spectra and images of prominence plasma and the increased sophistication of non-LTE (i.e. when there is a departure from Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium) radiative transfer models. We first describe the spectral inversion techniques that have been used to infer the plasma parameters important for the general properties of the prominence plasma in both its cool core and the hotter prominence-corona transition region. We also review studies devoted to the observation of bulk motions of the prominence plasma and to the determination of prominence mass. However, a simple inversion of spectroscopic data usually fails when the lines become optically thick at certain wavelengths. Therefore, complex non-LTE models become necessary. We thus present the basics of non-LTE radiative transfer theory and the associated multi-level radiative transfer problems. The main results of one- and two-dimensional models of the prominences and their fine-structures are presented. We then discuss the energy balance in various prominence models. Finally, we outline the outstanding observational and theoretical questions, and the directions for future progress in our understanding of solar prominences.     

UVCS Observations of Velocity Shear at Streamer Boundaries in the Corona

Space Science Reviews - Measurements of the intensities of the O?vi 1032and 1037&;nbsp;Å spectral lines in the southern solar hemisphere, from 1.5 to 5&;nbsp;R s, were made with...     

SMESE: A SMall Explorer for Solar Eruptions

The SMall Explorer for Solar Eruptions (SMESE) mission is a microsatellite proposed by France and China. The payload of SMESE consists of three packages: LYOT (a Lyman imager and a Lyman coronagraph), DESIR (an Infra-Red Telescope working at 35–80 and 100–250 μm), and HEBS (a High-Energy Burst Spectrometer working in X- and γ-rays).

The status of research on flares and coronal mass ejections is briefly reviewed in the context of on-going missions such as SOHO, TRACE and RHESSI. The scientific objectives and the profile of the mission are described. With a launch around 2012–2013, SMESE will provide a unique tool for detecting and understanding eruptions (flares and coronal mass ejections) close to the maximum phase of activity.     

High resolution solar ultraviolet measurements

The increase of our understanding of the processes acting in the solar corona and maintaining it is strongly dependent on the quality of the data that are obtained to check theories. The fine structure of the solar atmosphere seen from the photosphere and extending to the hottest parts of the corona requires data with high resolution in all parameter space (angular, spectral and temporal). To constrain the hypotheses that are proposed to describe the solar corona, it is necessary to establish an accurate energy budget taking into account the processes which are acting from the chromosphere to the corona. Some requirements can be established and compared with the data collected so far (or about to be collected) with the present SUMER (Solar Utraviolet Measurements of Emitted Radiations) instrumentation.     

Outflow Velocities at the Base of a Polar Coronal Hole During the 1998 Total Eclipse

Polar coronal holes represent the most convincing site from which the high-speed solar wind originates. Here we report high-accuracy Doppler shifts measured in the O VI (1037.6 Å) line obtained by SUMER on SOHO inside an interplume region within the south polar coronal hole. We infer limits on the outflow velocity and draw hints about the flow geometry.     

SMESE (SMall Explorer for Solar Eruptions): A microsatellite mission with combined solar payload

The SMESE (SMall Explorer for Solar Eruptions) mission is a microsatellite proposed by France and China. The payload of SMESE consists of three packages: LYOT (a Lyman α imager and a Lyman α coronagraph), DESIR (an Infra-red Telescope working at 35–80 and 100–250 μm), and HEBS (a High Energy Burst Spectrometer working in X- and gamma-rays).