On active region loops: Hinode/EIS observations

TL;DR

This study uses Hinode/EIS observations to measure physical properties of a coronal loop, supporting a nano-flare heating model for active region loops.

Contribution

It provides detailed measurements of electron densities, temperatures, and flows in a coronal loop, advancing understanding of active region heating mechanisms.

Findings

Nano-flare model explains observed loop characteristics

Measured electron densities and temperatures support heating theories

Flows indicate dynamic activity in the coronal loop

Abstract

Coronal loops are fundamental building blocks of the solar active regions and the corona. Therefore, a clear understanding of the physics of coronal loops will help us understand the physics of active region heating in particular and coronal heating in general. This requires a precise measurement of physical quantities such as electron densities and filling factors, temperatures, and flows in coronal loops. In this paper we have carried out an investigation of a spatially well resolved coronal loop using the EIS onboard Hinode to measure the above mentioned physical quantities. Based on this study we find that a nano-flare model could explain most of the observed characteristics of this loop.