Partial Reflection and Trapping of a Fast-mode Wave in Solar Coronal Arcade Loops

TL;DR

This paper reports the first direct observation of a fast-mode wave in solar coronal arcade loops, showing wave propagation, partial reflection, and interaction with heated loops, revealing new insights into solar wave dynamics.

Contribution

It presents the first direct observation of a fast-mode wave propagating along and across coronal arcade loops, including wave reflection and loop oscillation phenomena.

Findings

Wave speed decelerated from 1060 to 760 km/s

Wave propagated along and perpendicular to loops

Heated loops swayed in response to wave passage

Abstract

We report on the first direct observation of a fast-mode wave propagating along and perpendicular to cool (171 {\AA}) arcade loops observed by the SDO/AIA. The wave was associated with an impulsive/compact flare, near the edge of a sunspot. The EUV wavefront expanded radially outward from the flare center and decelerated in the corona from 1060-760 km/s within ~3-4 minute. Part of the EUV wave propagated along a large-scale arcade of cool loops and was partially reflected back to the flare site. The phase speed of the wave was about 1450 km/s, which is interpreted as a fast-mode wave. A second overlying loop arcade, orientated perpendicular to the cool arcade, is heated and becomes visible in the AIA hot channels. These hot loops sway in time with the EUV wave, as it propagated to and fro along the lower loop arcade. We suggest that an impulsive energy release at one of the footpoints of the arcade loops causes the onset of an EUV shock wave that propagates along and perpendicular to the magnetic field.