A Solar Flare Model Based on Magnetic Reconnection between Current-carrying Loops
Melrose, D. B., A Solar Flare Model Based on Magnetic Reconnection between Current-carrying Loops, ApJ, 486, 521-533 (1997) (ADS)
(click on the image for a larger version)
A surprising twist on loop-loop interactions; it might not be obvious
that the four footpoints in this model could re-link while not changing
any of their respective fields and currents at the photosphere.
Nevertheless the cited paper shows this and obtains an interesting
"selection rule" for loop-loop current reconnection. That's the twist.
The loop -
loop geometry is often
observed in solar flares, as probably shown originally by the Yohkoh/SXT
observations.
A surprising twist on loop-loop interactions; it might not be obvious that the four footpoints in this model could re-link while not changing any of their respective fields and currents at the photosphere. Nevertheless the cited paper shows this and obtains an interesting "selection rule" for loop-loop current reconnection. That's the twist.
The loop - loop geometry is often observed in solar flares, as probably shown originally by the Yohkoh/SXT observations.