The fine scales of solar chromospheric flares

A solar flare is an intense but short-lived release of energy from the Sun's magnetically-dominated atmosphere, resulting in the acceleration of non-thermal particles, plasma heating, and radiation across the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Most energy released is radiated by the solar chromosphere, giving rise to bright, highly structured 'footpoints' and 'ribbons' of chromospheric emission. The big picture of a solar flare, and the significance of flare ribbons in the global reconnection scenario, is well established, but high-resolution observations show fine spatial, temporal and spectral structure which can be probed to further explore flare physics. In this talk I will overview the basic framework of a solar flare and its development in the solar chromosphere, highlighting some examples of how fine scales are being used to investigate energy release and transport. I will focus on results from the IRIS spacecraft in the UV, and a newly-opened window on flares in the mid-infrared.

• Date:
  April 10, 2025, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  
  
• Location:

  Maria Margaretha Kirch Haus Konferenzraum

  
  
• Contact:
  Julián Alvarado-Gómez