Three-dimensional mapping of coronal magnetic field and plasma parameters in a solar flare

Aims. Diagnosing solar flare conditions is essential for understanding coronal energy release. Using combined microwave and X-ray data, we aim to reconstruct 3D maps of the magnetic fields and plasma parameters in the SOL2021-05-07 flare. Methods. We used imaging spectroscopy from the Expanded Owens Valley Solar Array (EOVSA) to derive spatial maps of the magnetic field strength, as well as the thermal and nonthermal electron densities, along with the power-law index of nonthermal electrons via gyrosynchrotron modeling. Simultaneous X-ray observations from Hinode/X-Ray Telescope (Hinode/XRT) and Solar Orbiter/Spectrometer Telescope for Imaging X-rays (SolO/STIX), taken from different vantage points, enable a stereoscopic reconstruction of the flaring loop. By correlating the positions of microwave and thermal X-ray sources, we associated the 3D coordinates with the microwave-derived plasma parameters. Results. We derived observational 3D maps of magnetic field strength, Alfvén speed, and plasma beta in a flaring volume, revealing a magnetically dominated environment. These spatially resolved diagnostics provide valuable constraints for models of magnetic reconnection and flare dynamics, representing a step toward a realistic 3D characterization of energy release in solar eruptive events.

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Publication Details

Journal
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Published
2026-02-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202557507
Primary Topic
Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Three-dimensional mapping of coronal magnetic field and plasma parameters in a solar flare

Sijie Yu, Tatyana Kaltman, Gregory D. Fleishman, Daniel F. Ryan
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics
article

Three-dimensional mapping of coronal magnetic field and plasma parameters in a solar flare

Sijie Yu, Tatyana Kaltman, Gregory D. Fleishman, Daniel F. Ryan
article en

Abstract

Aims. Diagnosing solar flare conditions is essential for understanding coronal energy release. Using combined microwave and X-ray data, we aim to reconstruct 3D maps of the magnetic fields and plasma parameters in the SOL2021-05-07 flare. Methods. We used imaging spectroscopy from the Expanded Owens Valley Solar Array (EOVSA) to derive spatial maps of the magnetic field strength, as well as the thermal and nonthermal electron densities, along with the power-law index of nonthermal electrons via gyrosynchrotron modeling. Simultaneous X-ray observations from Hinode/X-Ray Telescope (Hinode/XRT) and Solar Orbiter/Spectrometer Telescope for Imaging X-rays (SolO/STIX), taken from different vantage points, enable a stereoscopic reconstruction of the flaring loop. By correlating the positions of microwave and thermal X-ray sources, we associated the 3D coordinates with the microwave-derived plasma parameters. Results. We derived observational 3D maps of magnetic field strength, Alfvén speed, and plasma beta in a flaring volume, revealing a magnetically dominated environment. These spatially resolved diagnostics provide valuable constraints for models of magnetic reconnection and flare dynamics, representing a step toward a realistic 3D characterization of energy release in solar eruptive events.

Astronomy and AstrophysicsVol. 707
Institut für Sonnenphysik (DE), Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics (RU), University College London (GB)
National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, Nanjing Institute of Technology
Affordable and clean energy
Openalex Percentile: Top 66%
Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics
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