Dynamics of the coronal magnetic field in the 2022-10-02 X-class flare

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Authors: Gregory D. Fleishman, Tatyana Kaltman, Sijie Yu
Cited by: 0

Abstract

Solar flares are driven by release of free magnetic energy and often associated with restructurization of the magnetic field topology. Yet, observations of evolving magnetic field in the flaring volume are limited to very few cases including the 2017-09-10 X8.2 limb flare; thus, a verification of whether a similar evolution takes place in other solar flares is needed. Here we report one more, 2022-10-02, X1.1 class solar flare but seen on disk, whose microwave data permit mapping the magnetic field over the flaring source and tracking magnetic field evolution over the course of the flare. We found that the coronal magnetic field shows a prominent decay with the rate up to 10 G s$^{-1}$ in several (above) loop-top locations. The magnetic field is also confidently measured at the loop legs and the bottom part of the erupting filament. Prominent acceleration of electrons is detected where the magnetic field decays. We developed 3D models of the flare, whose magnetic field shows resemblance and also deviation from the magnetic field inferred from the microwave data. This study confirms that the coronal magnetic field decays during the rise phase of the solar flare. The amount of released magnetic energy is sufficient to support other components of the flare energy.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics Magnetic confinement fusion research Astrophysical Phenomena and Observations

Publication details

Journal / source
arXiv (Cornell University)
Publication date
4 February 2026
Document type
Preprint