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

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Authors: Tatyana Kaltman, Sijie Yu, Gregory D. Fleishman, Daniel F. Ryan
Cited by: 3
References: 54

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.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics Earthquake Detection and Analysis

Publication details

Journal / source
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Publisher
EDP Sciences
Volume
707
Pages
A158–A158
Publication date
3 February 2026
Language
EN